Scranton Cultural Center is Set to Host Sesame Street Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their Sesame Street friends to travel to the Scranton Cultural Center in a delightful celebration on Sesame Street, Elmo and Friends Say Hello, on November 20! Round Room Live and Sesame Workshop are proud to announce their new live show, Elmo and Friends Say Hello. The live show brings the beloved characters from the iconic Sesame Street to life in a brand-new interactive production that will tour multiple cities in the US, with a stop at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 20 at 6:00 PM. Tickets for Elmo and Friends Say Hello will go on sale Friday, May 16, with a venue pre-sale beginning May 14. For tickets and additional information, visit SCCMT.org or call (570) 344-1111. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood! At Elmo and Friends Say Hello, you can sing and dance with your favorite furry friends while enjoying fun surprises along the way. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! “We are thrilled to continue to delight audiences with the Elmo and Friends Say Hello tour,“ said Round Room Live Founder and co-CEO Stephen Shaw. “Elmo and his friends are beloved characters with a long history of delighting children, and we’re honored to create magical moments for families all over the country in this interactive musical adventure.” “Elmo and Friends Say Hello takes the laughter and learning you love from Sesame Street and extends it to an engaging live experience filled with singing, dancing, and toe-tapping fun,” said Hillary Strong, Sesame Workshop Chief Development Officer. “The show includes everyone’s favorite furry friends and promises to be a memorable event for all ages.” Enhance your Elmo and Friends Say Hello ticket with an exclusive Photo Experience, where your family will have the opportunity to make a lasting memory by taking a photo alongside some of your favorite Sesame Street friends. Please note: to attend, each guest must have both a Photo Experience ticket and an Elmo and Friends Say Hello show ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fans can visit SesameStreetLive.com now for tour dates and ticket information, and sign up to be the first to hear news and exclusive offers. Follow Sesame Street Live social media for exclusive tour content.
Scranton Cultural Center, Beatles vs. Stones Show The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 61 years ago. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So who is better? These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down – a musical ‘showdown’ if you will – at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 pm – courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show. Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county’s top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career. They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Satisfaction, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion. The Scranton show is part of a 125-stop tour of the U.S., Australia and Canada and has been touring since 2011. The production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Jumping Jack Flash usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s. During the two-hour show, the bands perform two sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There is a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well. The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tickets will be on sale May 16 at 10 AM are $58.55-$81.05. They can be purchased at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. A venue pre-sale will take place beginning May 13 at 10 AM through May 16 at 9 AM. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Scranton Cultural Center Tickets for The Rock Orchestra Out Soon Tickets for The Rock Orchestra will be available on April 11 at 10am. MEGA Events will present The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on December 7 at 8:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. The show will take place in the Weinberg Theatre and will feature an epic 90-minute concert, breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary rock and metal. After mesmerizing audiences across Europe and the UK, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is set to electrify the USA once again. In ethereal candlelit settings, this band of 14 classical musicians unleash effortlessly enchanting melodies alongside powerful walls of distortion. Audiences will witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal. The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight features top hits from iconic bands like Metallica, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin’ Park, SOAD, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, Papa Roach, The Cranberries and more. The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 7:00 PM. Tickets start at $62.80 including fees. Prices are subject to change. Tickets will be available for purchase on April 11 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.
Scranton Cultural Center, FREE Concert Featuring West Point Band Enjoy a concert given by the West Point Band at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on March 1 at 7:00 PM. The concert is free and open to the public. Join the West Point Band for “West Point on the March,” an exploration of the most classic American military musical genre: the march, featuring some of Sousa’s best-known works alongside lively selections like “Americans We” and Ethel Smyth’s anthem of women’s suffrage, “March of the Women.” The West Point Brass Quintet will showcase the powerful music of a New Orleans funeral, followed by stirring pieces inspired by the 1963 March on Washington, including Bob Dylan’s “When the Ship Comes In” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The concert wraps up with the unforgettable movie marches from “Indiana Jones” and “The Music Man.” The West Point Band free concert is sponsored by Gentex, 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. There is a limit of four (4) tickets per household. For additional information and 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 Hosts Comedian Rodney Carrington Outback Presents will host comedian Rodney Carrington on March 27 at 7:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. Rodney Carrington is a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades. A platinum-recording artist, Rodney’s recorded eight major record label comedy albums, followed by three albums on his own record label, Laughter’s Good Records. Rodney is fresh off the release of his latest album, “Get Em Out,” (released 2019) which hit #1 on iTunes. His album “Here Comes the Truth” (released 2017) climbed to #3 on the comedy charts, accruing tens of millions of streams on Spotify and even spawned a Netflix special. Rodney broke through with his major label comedy CD debut “Hangin’ With Rodney” in 1998. The next few years saw nine more Top 10 comedy albums, all of which continue to receive radio airplay and regularly place on the national comedy charts. “Hangin’ With Rodney” and “Morning Wood” earned RIAA gold record certification, and his Greatest Hits (a double CD) album reached platinum status. Rodney also released “Make it Christmas” which features his original song “Camouflage and Christmas Lights,” a tribute to the military. Rodney also added “author” to his list of accomplishments with the release of his book “Rodney Carrington, Coming Clean” published by Hatchette Books. Over the years, he’s starred in his own TV sitcom, “Rodney”, which ran for two seasons on ABC, co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film, “Beer for My Horses,” which won the Tex Ritter Award from the ACM, and starred in his own Netflix special “Here Comes The Truth.” Rodney’s also appeared on countless other TV shows, including the ACA (American Country Awards), hosting the American Country New Year’s Eve Live show on FOX, and won “Supporting Character of the Year” from the CMT Music Video Awards for his appearance on the Trace Adkins’ music video “I Got My Game On.” The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at $62.60 with a VIP add-on package available. All ticket prices include fees. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning February 13 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.
Scranton Cultural Center Embarks on Major Restoration Project The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple (SCC) embarked on a major restoration project in late 2024, which will continue over the next several years. Included in the lengthy list of improvements are theatre repairs, which are set to begin this summer. “We’re thrilled to finally begin this project, which has been years in the making,” noted Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director. “Almost every area of our building will be impacted, but we’re doing our best to limit impact on our patrons and customers.” The theatre improvements, which include repairs to ceiling tiles and plasterwork, stenciling restoration and more, will begin this summer when the SCC has a quieter schedule. During this time, the seating area of the building’s historic theatre will be closed to the public. Weddings and events, including the Center’s vibrant Summer Camp program will remain operational. Extensive planning with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services and the team of contractors has ensured all scheduled events will proceed as planned. “Our unique ability to access the stage from our Grand Ballroom, as designed by renowned architect Raymond Hood, will allow us to continue hosting events and programming while construction persists,” added William Schoen, SCC Board Vice President. In addition to improvements in the main theatre, the multi-million dollar restoration project includes a complete roof and gutter overhaul, repairs to mortar and masonry, and restoration to multiple areas impacted by water damage. The SCC anticipates sharing more information about this large-scale project in the coming months. Specific questions about the restoration project can be directed to SCC General Manager, John Cardoni at jcardoni@sccmt.org or (570) 346-7369 x107.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces 156th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the 156th Chamber Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, to be held on March 26, 2025, at the Scranton Cultural Center. This signature event is set to bring together the region’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of our members and programs from the past year. This year’s Annual Dinner will feature keynote speaker, author, and workforce strategist, Gregory Offner. Offner is the founding partner of the Global Performance Institute, a boutique consulting firm supporting organizations and executives seeking to get the most out of their workforce. He previously held leadership roles in the outsourced services and risk management industries, developing future leaders and advising some of the most recognizable names in business. In this keynote, former dueling pianist and award-winning speaker Offner will demonstrate three principles of engagement found in a piano bar and then discuss the strategies and stories of organizations who’ve applied these principles to business with phenomenal results. As part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development, Offner’s keynote address will equip businesses with valuable insights to address current workforce challenges. “We always look for an Annual Dinner keynote speaker who provides insight into the compelling issues facing our business community. As the nature of our workforce is evolving, Gregory Offner brings a thought-provoking perspective to address these key workforce issues,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. To purchase tickets for the 156th Annual Dinner, visit www.ScrantonChamber.com.
Scranton Cultural Center – Tickets Now Available for “Whose Live Anyway?” The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?, appearing live in concert at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 PM. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show, so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast onstage! This particular style of improvisational comedy is rife with countless gags, one-liners, hilarious games and even songs so good you will hardly believe they were made up on the spot. The teamwork and trust that it takes to perform a show with no script is apparent, but when the best of the best do it, they do it effortlessly. Watch them build entire scenes, characters, and storylines right before your eyes as they take you on a white-knuckle ride through endless chuckles. Ryan Stiles’ television credits include roles on “The Drew Carey Show” and “Two and a Half Men,” while Greg Proops has lent his vocal talents to animated characters in Star Wars: Episode 1, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Brother Bear. However, both got their start as comedians and are excited to return to their funny-bone-tickling roots. Jeff B. Davis is also a highly experienced improv comedian and starred in the cult classic cartoon series, “Harmonquest.” He has also starred in “Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show” and “Improv-a-Ganza,” while gaining fame for his spot-on impressions of Christoper Walken, Keanu Reeves, and Jeff Goldblum. Joel Murray is the youngest of the nine Murray brothers, including Bill Murray, but has become a star in his own right. Though he has over 250 sitcom appearances, he is best known for his recurring roles like Freddy Rumsen on “Mad Men” and Eddie Jackson on “Shameless.” He has also appeared in One Crazy Summer, The Artist, Scrooged, and Bobcat Goldthwait’s God Bless America.. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach. All ages welcome. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:30 PM. Tickets start at $59.00 (includes fees), and will be available for purchase beginning December 5 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
