| Enjoy a wide variety of arts and entertainment! Choose from attending a live sporting event at First Energy Stadium, home to the Reading Phillies the proud Double A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, or at the Sovereign Center, home of the AA Reading Royals hockey team and the Reading Express indoor football team or go ahead and get creative in the country's most comprehensive and interactive arts center of its kind at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. The Sovereign Performing Arts Center is home to the Reading Symphony, one of the longest continuously-operating symphonies in the United States. It has also hosted numerous different events. Willie Nelson, Hillary Duff, Jerry Seinfeld, David Copperfield, and Sesame Street Live are just a few of the shows that have been seen at the theater. The Reading Eagle Theater at the Sovereign Center has hosted artists such as Dolly Parton, Daniel O'Donnell, Dave Koz, Marilyn Manson and Brad Paisley. If you love theatrical events, you're sure to find something you'll enjoy at the Reading Civic Theatre or Genesius Theatre. |
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| Keeping the Arts ALIVE in Greater Reading! |
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| Website |
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| 201 Washington Street,
5th Floor,
P.O. Box 854 |
| Reading, PA 19603 |
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| (610) 898-1930 |
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Berks Classical Children's Chorus
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| The mission of the Berks Classical Children's Chorus is to enrich our community by fostering and promoting choral excellence in young people through music education and quality performances.
Since 1992, the young musicians of the Berks Classical Children's Chorus have delighted audiences with their superb artistry and joyful enthusiasm. Through a rigorous music curriculum, BCCC singers acquire an outstanding education and learn crucial life lessons-like teamwork, time management, priority setting, self-presentation, communication and personal responsibility. And the culturally diverse, musically diverse repertoire performed with precision by these trained young voices is inspirational and uplifting for anyone who listens.
With its headquarters and rehearsals located in Reading's geographically accessible GoggleWorks, BCCC is dedicated to making life-changing musical opportunities accessible to all children. |
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| Website |
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| 201 Washington Street,
5th Floor |
| Reading, PA 19601 |
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| (610) 898-SONG (7664) |
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Birdsboro Friends of the Arts
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| The purpose of the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center is to provide the quality of life in our community by providing wholesome, affordable, recreational, educational, health and wellness opportunities to all people, regardless of age or gender. |
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| Website |
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| Birdsboro Community Memorial Center,
201 E. Main Street |
| Birdsboro, PA 19508 |
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| (610) 582-2471 |
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| The mission of the Genesius Theatre is that the best theatre is an experience of living and feeling, changing and growing, challenging and becoming. We trust in the power of this inspiring and dynamic medium to transform the artists who create it, the audiences who enjoy it, and the patrons who support it. We exist to produce and present entertainment in all phases of the performing arts that entertains audiences, educates and trains artists,
nurtures emerging art, and enriches the cultural community for people of all ages in Berks County. |
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| Website |
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| 153 North 10th Street |
| Reading, PA 19601 |
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GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
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| The GoggleWorks offers 145,000 square feet of dynamic space, including: galleries; classrooms; dance and music studios; a darkroom; a glass blowing facility, plus a warm and cold glass studio/classroom; a woodshop; ceramics and jewelry studios; a 131-seat film theatre; a cafe; community meeting places; 34 artist studios where working artists educate the public about using their process and means of expressing themselves through their art; and offices for 26 local community arts and cultural organizations. The GoggleWorks is a community art and cultural resource center for Berks County and Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania, and is the largest, most comprehensive interactive arts center of its kind in the country. The mission of the GoggleWorks is "to nurture the arts, foster creativity, promote education and enrich the community." The artists and arts-based organizations housed within the building are all committed to renewing and revitalizing the community. Thousands of visitors experience the dynamic GoggleWorks campus at community open houses on the 2nd Sunday of every month by touring artist's studios, participating in workshops, observing dance and music performances and attending exhibition openings in the distinctive galleries. The arts center also runs after-school programs attended by over 300 children from the area, and offers classes, music and dance lessons, summer camps, and family activities. There is no admission fee and plenty of free parking. |
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| Website |
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| 201 Washington Street |
| Reading, PA 19601 |
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| (610) 374-4600 |
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Kutztown University Presents
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| KU Presents! strives to be the center of cultural life at Kutztown University and the regional community through professional presentations of innovative and engaging live music, theater, and dance of the highest quality. |
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| Website |
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| Schaeffer Auditorium, Kutztown University |
| Kutztown, PA 19530 |
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| (610) 683-4511 |
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Miller Center for the Arts
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| The Miller Center for the Arts, located on the campus of Reading Area Community College, has become an anchor in the city of Reading's cultural landscape. Our 509-seat theatre offers quality programming for all ages and interests. Whether you would like to see modern dance, improv comedy or a children's show, the Miller Center has something for everyone. |
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| Website |
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| 4 North 2nd Street |
| Reading, PA 19609 |
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| 1-800-626-1665 |
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| The Reading Choral Society is comprised of dedicated amateur singers from all walks of life, and all ages. Determined to present the highest calibre musical performances possible, the 75-voice Society rehearses weekly in a professional atmosphere, fulfilling the lives of its members by immersing them in great music, and through RCS performances enriching and enlivening the musical life of the greater Reading community. |
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| Website |
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| 201 Washington Street,
Suite 529 |
| Reading, PA 19601 |
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| (610) 898-1939 |
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| The Reading Civic Theater strives to produce great theatrical entertainment by living up to their motto of "Bringing the Best of Broadway to Berks". |
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| Website |
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| 126 N 10th Street |
| Reading, PA 19601 |
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| (610) 375-7482 |
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Reading Community Players
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| Reading Community Players is now in its 90th year and one of the oldest community theaters in the state. Founded in 1920, is a non-profit, volunteer organization bringing affordable, quality theater to Berks County. |
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| Website |
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| 403 N. 11th Street |
| Reading, PA 19612 |
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| (610) 375-9106 |
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| The addition of the Reading Eagle Theater came in the summer of 2004 when the Reading Eagle Company purchased naming rights to this, one-of-a-kind, universal theater configuration. The set-up turns the Sovereign Center into a smaller, more intimate setting for shows ranging in size from 2,500 to 4,500 patrons. Artists such as Dolly Parton, Daniel O'Donnell, Dave Koz, Marilyn Manson and Brad Paisley have all played the Reading Eagle Theater. |
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| Website |
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| 700 Penn Street |
| Reading, PA 19602 |
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| (610) 898-SHOW |
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Reading Musical Foundation
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| Established in 1926 by a team of local music enthusiasts who recognized the importance of ensuring our community's cultural health, RMF has been supporting music education, preservation and local music presenters for nearly 80 years. Their dedication, passion for music and our community, and willingness to "play" by working hard set the standard for RMF.
RMF is a public non-profit foundation supported primarily by you - individuals, businesses and partner foundations. The full 100% of your contributions are reinvested in support of music education and outreach programs, music presenters and concert events in Berks County. In addition, RMF is by far the largest source of financial assistance for committed county music students who audition on merit or demonstrate financial need. |
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| Website |
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| P.O. Box 14835 |
| Reading, PA 19612 |
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| (610) 376-3395 |
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Reading Philharmonic Orchestra
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| The Reading Philharmonic Orchestra was organized in May 1932 by the Reading Recreation Department with H. Augustus Meyer as conductor. In 1962, Wes Fisher became Music Director, and through his efforts, The Reading Philharmonic Orchestra became an affiliate of The Reading Musical Foundation, and was the first group to perform in the outdoor concert series at the Reading Museum. The group continues to be sponsored by the Reading Musical Foundation and starts the Museum outdoor concert series on the first Sunday in June.
In 1997, the Orchestra honored 5 conductors who were influential in the group's development: J. Carl Borelli, Wes Fisher, Henry Gass, Nicholas Geracimos, and Hiram Hoch.
Many students and professional players gained valuable experience from and contributed their talents to the group.
The Reading Philharmonic Orchestra consists of musicians of all ages and experience, and includes one of the original members among its numbers. Students of all ages, teachers, and experienced musicians are members. It is an ideal setting for students desiring orchestral experience, adult beginners, adults who wish to resume playing, and experienced musicians who enjoy playing and serve as mentors and leaders for the group. There have been and continue to be family members and spouses in the group and friendships with the common goal of making music are formed. |
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| Website |
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| P.O. Box 14835 |
| Reading, PA 19612 |
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| (610) 376-3395 |
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| The Reading Pops Orchestra was formally established in 1969 by Mr. Wes Fisher who had gathered local musicians for performances at the City Park Band Shell and various outdoor locations.
The leadership has changed over the years, but the appeal of Pops music is timeless, evident by the annual appearances at the Father's Day Concert under the Linden Tree at the Reading Public Museum, Muhlenberg Fine Arts Day, and Gring's Mill.
With the addition of the Dinner Concert Series, begun in 1996, the RPO continues to draw ever growing audiences and appreciation of this musical art form. |
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| Website |
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| P.O. Box 14835 |
| Reading, PA 19612 |
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| (610) 376-3395 |
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Reading Symphony Orchestra
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| The Reading Symphony Orchestra, approaching its ninety-seventh season as one of the longest continuously-operating symphonies in the United States, provides and promotes high quality symphonic music to the citizens of Reading and Berks County. |
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| Website |
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| 147 North Fifth Street |
| Reading, PA 19601 |
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| (610) 373-7557 |
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| The historic Ringgold Band is proud to be one of America's first community bands. Formed in 1852 amid the rolling hills and farms of Berks County, Pa., we continue a longstanding tradition of fine musical entertainment in southeastern Pennsylvania. |
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| Website |
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| 3539-A Freemont Street |
| Laureldale, PA 19605 |
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| (610) 929-8525 |
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| The Sovereign Center hosts events of various types of shows and is home to the Reading Royals, an ECHL ice hockey team and the Reading Express, an indoor football team. |
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| Website |
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| 700 Penn Street |
| Reading, PA 19602 |
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| (610) 898-7469 |
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Sovereign Performing Arts Center
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| The Sovereign Performing Arts Center was built in the 1870s as a market, with a Masonic Temple on its upper floors. It became the Academy of Music in 1886. The Rajah Shriners purchased it in 1917 to use the building for various activities including vaudeville, motion pictures, and live appearances. The auditorium was rebuilt in 1921 after a fire destroyed most of the facility. It is now a venue for quality symphonic, opera, ballet, popular music, and theatrical performances.
At the turn of the 21st Century, the Rajah Theater was the only downtown movie palace of its kind to survive. Its sister palaces, the Astor, Embassy and Loew's Colonial, had all been demolished.
In June of 2000, the Berks County Convention Center Authority purchased the Rajah Theater from the Shriners. The building was renovated and renamed the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. The $7 million renovations included a new air conditioning system, seating that is more comfortable, better stage equipment, improved dressing rooms, and more. These improvements, along with the building being managed by SMG, ensure that this historical center for performing arts will be preserved for years to come.
Today, the Sovereign Performing Arts Center is home to the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Broadway on 6th Street series. It has also hosted numerous different events. Willie Nelson, Hillary Duff, Jerry Seinfeld, David Copperfield, and Sesame Street Live are just a few of the shows that have been seen at the theater. |
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| Website |
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| 136 N. 6th Street |
| Reading, PA 19601 |
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| 610-898-7299 |
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| The purpose of The Star Series Association is to foster and advance the
cultural life of Greater Reading/Berks, by promoting public interest in,
and enjoyment of, music and the performing arts through the presentation
of professional events of the highest quality consistent with the resources
available, as well as opportunities for interaction between local music
students and great artists, thereby nurturing and enriching the cultural life of
the community. For more than 40 consecutive years The Star Series Association, a 501(c)3
organization, has presented many of the brightest stars within the performing
arts realm for Greater Reading/Berks audiences. Hundreds of these acts
have inspired and entertained countless children and adults. |
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| Website |
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| P.O. Box 14835 |
| Reading, PA 19601 |
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| (610) 898-7299 |
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| Studio B is a community-run art center built in conjunction with the Arts & Activities Alliance of Building A Better Boyertown. |
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| Website |
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| 39A East Philadelphia Avenue |
| Boyertown, PA 19512 |
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| (610) 367-8066 |
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| The Domino Players, Albright Colleg's resident theatre company, is comprised of both students and faculty. The group engages in some of the most stylistic, cutting-edge, avant-garde performances of both contemporary and traditional theatre ever created. |
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| Website |
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| 13th and Bern Street |
| Reading, PA 19612 |
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| (610) 921-7547 |
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| Event: Ballet Hispanico |
| Venue: Miller Center for the Arts |
| Date: 2012-02-25 |
| Stop Date: 2012-02-25 |
| Time:7:30 pm |
| Description:Tickets: $27 Advance, $32 Door, $20 Student. Fusing Latin dance with classic and contemporary techniques, Ballet Hispanico creates a new style of concert dance in which theatricality and passion propel every move. Founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez, the New York-based company is now under the direction of Eduardo Vilaro, who continues the tradition of supporting new and old masters of contemporary dance and exploring the diverse voice of Latin culture. "It seemed like one was witnessing a new dance form - ballet moves turned into traditional Latin dance... Ballet Hispanico moved with a crisp attack and flowed beautifully all night long." - LaCrosse Tribune |
| Address:Reading Area Community College,
4 North Second Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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| Event: Dala |
| Venue: Miller Center for the Arts |
| Date: 2012-03-10 |
| Stop Date: 2012-03-10 |
| Time:7:30 pm |
| Description:Tickets: $27 Advance, $32 Door, $20 Student. Singer-songwriters Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine, Canada's newest musical darlings, are Dala. The duo have become rising stars on the pop-folk circuit, with a recent Canadian Folk Music Award and a Juno nomination. They have received international acclaim from National Public Radio, The Irish Post, and many more. Walther and Carabine write songs that are both catchy and insightful, drawing upon influences such as The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. "The definitively Canadian duo… has an ear for pop hooks, but writes songs that sound warm and comfortable played on an acoustic guitar with little ornamentation." - NPR Music |
| Address:Reading Area Community College,
4 North Second Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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| Event: Inside Ireland, Clint Denn |
| Venue: Miller Center for the Arts |
| Date: 2012-03-16 |
| Stop Date: 2012-03-16 |
| Time:1:00 pm and 7:30 pm |
| Description:Tickets: $7 Adults; $6 Seniors (60 years+) and Students. From Blarney to Killarney and Cobh to Dublin are adventures that celebrate Irish culture and the country's immigration links with America. The land offers wonders, the people are smiling and friendly, and the tea and scones are a welcome at every stop. |
| Address:Reading Area Community College,
4 North Second Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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| Event: David Kim | Violin |
| Venue: Reading Symphony Orchestra |
| Date: 2012-03-17 |
| Stop Date: 2012-03-17 |
| Time:8pm |
| Description:Mozart - Overture to the Magic Flute. Saint-Saens - Violin Concerto No. 3. Sibelius - Symphony No. 3. Kim has been concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1999 and is a highly sought after violin pedagogue. |
| Address:Sovereign Performing Arts Center, 136 N. 6th Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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| Event: Audience Choice | You pike the music! |
| Venue: Reading Symphony Orchestra |
| Date: 2012-03-19 |
| Stop Date: 2012-03-19 |
| Time:8pm |
| Description:Music Director, Andrew Constantine, extends a unique invitation to RSO audience members to request their favorite works of classical music. Ballots will be provided in the Bravo program during the season and final selections made by Andrew and the RSO Music Committee. |
| Address:Sovereign Performing Arts Center, 136 N. 6th Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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| Event: Exploring Costa Rica: Colors, Creatures & Curiosities, Sandy Mortimer |
| Venue: Miller Center for the Arts |
| Date: 2012-04-06 |
| Stop Date: 2012-04-06 |
| Time:1:00 pm and 7:30 pm |
| Description:Tickets: $7 Adults; $6 Seniors (60 years+) and Students. Central America's Costa Rica nurtures some of the last remaining true natural treasures of the world. Emerald rainforests, marvels of jeweled birds and bugs lined by Caribbean and Pacific golden beaches. Together they create the colors that have lured visitors to Costa Rica's shores again and again. |
| Address:Reading Area Community College,
4 North Second Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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| Event: Zorro, Visible Fictions |
| Venue: Miller Center for the Arts |
| Date: 2012-04-14 |
| Stop Date: 2012-04-14 |
| Time:11:00 am and 2:00 pm |
| Description:Tickets: $11 Adult, $9 Child (Ages 12 and under). The award-winning Scottish company Visible Fictions in co-production with the Traverse present Zorro, a new play by Davey Anderson. A mysterious figure has arrived in town. A flurry of a cape, the glint of a sword and a flash of a mask; who is this baffling character? Exciting friend or formidable foe? Watch as the masked champion ricochets from one sticky situation to another in a world where justice is the name and adventure is the game! (Recommended for ages 8+). |
| Address:Reading Area Community College,
4 North Second Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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| Event: H.M.S. Pinafore, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players |
| Venue: Miller Center for the Arts |
| Date: 2012-04-22 |
| Stop Date: 2012-04-22 |
| Time:3:00 pm |
| Description:Tickets: $36 Advance, $40 Door, $20 Student. The ever-popular New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players returns with another excellent production, the romantic comedy H.M.S. Pinafore. The lowly sailor Ralph Rackstraw has fallen in love with Josephine, daughter of Captain Corcoran. Promised to the insufferable Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B, First Lord of the Admiralty, Josephine swears not to follow her heart in returning Ralph's affection and the Captain reveals his own attraction to the lowly peddler woman, Little Buttercup. Classic songs including "I am the Captain of the Pinafore," and "We Sail the Ocean Blue" highlight social commentary about class and ambition while keeping with still being hilariously entertaining. Audience Enrichment Activity: Post-show Q&A with members of the cast. |
| Address:Reading Area Community College,
4 North Second Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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| Event: Metropolis, Vox Lumiere |
| Venue: Miller Center for the Arts |
| Date: 2012-04-28 |
| Stop Date: 2012-04-28 |
| Time:7:30 pm |
| Description:Tickets: $27 Advance, $32 Door, $20 Student. Vox Lumiere is the next evolution in entertainment where "rock concert meets silent film": a unique live performance that combines theatre, original music and silent film to create a completely new entertainment experience. Musicians, singers, dancers, and state-of-the-art multi-media are weaved together with the 1927 Fritz Lang film Metropolis in a thrilling retelling of this masterpiece of German Expressionism. Generally considered the first great science-fiction film, Metropolis fixed for the rest of the century the image of a futuristic city as a hell of scientific progress and human despair. An electrifying adventure to a fantastic world where the impossible is a way of life. Vox Lumiere transports audiences with a power and intensity The Los Angeles Times calls "Absolutely riveting!" |
| Address:Reading Area Community College,
4 North Second Street |
| Reading 19601 |
| Link |
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