Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College announces its 58th season of music, dance, theater, and family programming reflecting the multicultural diversity of Brooklyn. The outstanding line-up features performances from Jamaica, Russia, China, and Canada, as well as the United States, and includes both Brooklyn premieres and returning favorites.

“Brooklyn Center has always been a valued part of the thriving arts culture on campus,” said Maria Ann Conelli, Dean of the School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. “The upcoming season promises to deliver exactly what Brooklyn’s many communities have come to expect – diversity, affordability, and above all else, artistic excellence. We look forward to welcoming audiences back next year to enjoy another exceptional season of international music, theater, dance and family performances.”

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts’ 2012-2013 Season includes:

A double bill of klezmer music with Metropolitan Klezmer and Isle of Klezbos
Enchantment Theatre Company’s The Velveteen Rabbit
The Ultimate Sounds of Doo-Wop and Street Corner Harmony
The Shaolin Warriors
Christmas in the Caribbean, featuring the University Singers
Dance Theatre in Westchester’s The Colonial Nutcracker
The Snow Maiden (Матушка-Метелица)
Omaha Theater Company’s How I Became a Pirate
The Little Prince
American Family Theater’s Sleeping Beauty
The Freddy Cole Quartet
The Beauty of Ballet (co-presented with the School of American Ballet)
The Brementown Musicians (БРЕМЕНСКИЕ МУЗЫКАНTЫ)
Bash the Trash’s Tales of Anansi
Sixth annual National Grid Earth Day
Fiddler on the Roof
Ballet-théâtre atlantique du Canada’s Amadeus (A New York premiere)
The United States Military Academy Concert Band
An Evening with Lucie Arnaz
Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music

Metropolitan Klezmer & Isle of Klezbos

Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 2pm

The Walt Whitman Theatre transforms into a Simcha Palace when these two internationally-acclaimed ensembles hit the stage with their unique interpretations of traditional Eastern European favorites, Yiddish swing and folk tunes, and original compositions.

Tickets: $30

The Velveteen Rabbit

Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 2pm

“When a child loves you for a long, long time… then you become Real.” So says the Horse to the Velveteen Rabbit in Margery Williams’ much-loved literary classic about a stuffed toy rabbit who yearns to become real. This charming tale of love and devotion features an original musical score, extraordinary puppets, masks, and magic. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages four and up

Tickets: $7

The Ultimate Sounds of Doo-Wop and Street Corner Harmony

Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 8pm

This concert of chart-topping artists from the ’50s and ’60s includes Fred Parris and The Satins (“In the Still of the Night”), The Legendary Teenagers (“Why Do Fools Fall in Love”), The Chiffons with original lead singer Judy Mann (“One Fine Day”), The Original Tymes (“So Much In Love”), and Barbara Harris and the Toys (“Lovers Concerto”).

Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

Direct from Beijing, The People’s Republic of China

The Shaolin Warriors

Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 3pm

With a jaw-dropping mix of martial arts, theatricality and athleticism, the Shaolin Warriors present a rare glimpse into the ancient and mystical art of Kung Fu. This astonishing spectacle features 22 monks performing feats of strength, agility, and impeccably choreographed combat that will take your breath away.

Tickets: $30

Christmas in the Caribbean with The University Singers

Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 8pm

The University Singers from the University of the West Indies have distinguished themselves as one of the leading choral groups in the Caribbean with their widely versatile repertoire of original music composed by Caribbean writers, classical choral works, American Negro Spirituals, and Jazz and Gospel arrangements. Always a favorite at Brooklyn Center, Jamaica’s cultural ambassadors return with a joyous holiday program.

Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

The Colonial Nutcracker

Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2pm

An annual holiday favorite, Dance Theatre in Westchester performs its family-friendly, full-length version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown, complete with a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and simultaneous narration to help young audience members enjoy this timeless classic. Recommended for ages four and up.

Tickets: $10

The Snow Maiden (Матушка-Метелица)

Presented in association with Anton Krylov

Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 6pm

Enjoy this magical Christmas tale in which a worthy young girl is transformed by Grandfather Frost (the Russian Santa Claus) into the beautiful Snow Maiden. Traditional Russian songs, dances and elaborate costumes create a winter wonderland in this delightful children’s extravaganza. Performed in Russian with English subtitles. Recommended for ages six and up.

Tickets: $35-$50

How I Became a Pirate

Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 2pm

In this new musical based on the best-selling children’s book, Jeremy’s talent for building sand castles and digging moats has earned him a place on the crew of Braid Beard’s ship. It’s a grand adventure, indeed, until Jeremy remembers all the things that he left behind. Surely, the pirates can be convinced to take him home! A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages six and up.

Tickets: $7

The Little Prince

Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 2pm

Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. Full of whimsy and wonderment, this new stage version of the classic tale incorporates puppetry, multimedia projections, and original music as it follows one brave little boy’s journey through the universe, exploring the mysteries of grownups and the stars and searching for what is most important in life. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages eight to eighty.

Tickets: $7

American Family Theater’s
Sleeping Beauty

Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2pm

When a beautiful princess falls under the curse of a wicked sorceress, only the sweet kiss of a handsome prince can save her from eternal slumber. From “once upon a time” to “happily ever after,” this tale of fairy godmothers, magic spells, and true love will enchant the entire family. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages four and up.

Tickets: $7

The Freddy Cole Quartet

Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 8pm

A Grammy nominee in his own right, Freddy Cole makes no apology for sounding like his brother, Nat “King” Cole. And he stands shoulder to shoulder with today’s jazz greats. This master vocalist and pianist captivates listeners with his warm presence, subtle phrasing, and world-class jazz.

Tickets: $36

In collaboration with the School of American Ballet

The Beauty of Ballet

Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2pm

Join students and faculty of the world-famous School of American Ballet (the official academy of New York City Ballet) in this program illustrating the process by which talented youngsters develop into accomplished classical ballet dancers. Your children will watch a “class” where training exercises and steps are demonstrated, and also enjoy excerpts from famous ballets. A free event recommended for ages four and up.

General free admission, no tickets issued.

Direct from Moscow

The Bremantown Musicians (БРЕМЕНСКИЕ МУЗЫКАНТЫ)

Presented in association with Anton Krylov

Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 6pm

Adapted from the enormously popular Russian cartoon, this family-friendly rock musical follows the adventures of a handsome wandering minstrel and his animal companions. Performed in Russian (English language synopsis available). Recommended for ages eight and up.

Tickets: $45-$65

Tales of Anansi

Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2pm

In honor of Earth Day, the environmental performance group Bash the Trash presents a storytelling concert that features Anansi the trickster, one of the most important characters in West African and Caribbean folklore. African-inspired musical instruments made from recycled and reused materials accompany the stories, creating an afternoon that is both entertaining and educational.

Tickets: $7

Sixth Annual National Grid Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 13 2013 at 3pm

Children and adults alike will enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and street performers at this free community festival, where interactive family activities highlight the need for creating a more sustainable future and caring for the earth.

General free admission, no tickets issued.

Fiddler on the Roof

Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 3pm

Filled with rousing, heartwarming songs like “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “If I Were a Rich Man,” this landmark Broadway musical cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, capturing the hearts of people all over the world with its unforgettable humor, warmth, and honesty.

Tickets: $45 orchestra, $36 mezzanine

Ballet-théâtre atlantique du Canada’s
Amadeus

A New York premiere

Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 3pm

A young prodigy arrives at the Austrian court, igniting a fierce musical rivalry that only one will survive. Filled with jealousy, greed, and loneliness, this gripping full-length ballet interweaves the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri as it traces the tumultuous life of one of the greatest composers of all time.

Tickets: $40 orchestra, $30 mezzanine

United States Military Academy Band

Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 2pm
As the U.S. Army’s oldest active band, the United States Military Academy Band has served the nation for over 190 years, performing for U.S. Presidents and Heads of State. Under the direction of Lt. Col. Timothy J. Holtan, it is committed to being the standard bearer of musical excellence, instilling the best of national values, spirit and patriotism in the American public.

General free admission, no tickets issued.

An Evening with Lucie Arnaz

Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 8pm

Daughter of showbiz royalty Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, iconic entertainer Lucie Arnaz graces the stage of the Walt Whitman Theatre with an unforgettable concert featuring new arrangements of favorite standards by Gershwin, Ellington, and Porter, as well as Latin tunes made famous by her father and showstoppers from

her Broadway career.

Tickets: $36

Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music

Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1pm

Get your vocal chords warmed up for this screening of the Academy Award-winning Julie Andrews movie musical, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. Classic tunes include “Climb Every Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” and of course the soaring title song. If you’ve always wanted to be a part of a musical, this is your chance!

Tickets: $15

Multibuy (three or four shows) and Megabuy packages (five or more shows) save up to 15% off individual ticket prices (not applicable to The Colonial Nutcracker, The Snow Maiden, The Brementown Musicians, or Target Storybook Series shows). Discounts available for seniors, students, Brooklyn College faculty/staff/alumni, and groups. $10 student rush tickets available day-of-show.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College

Founded in 1954, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents outstanding performing arts and arts education programs at affordable prices, embracing the diverse communities that define Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center welcomes over 65,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series. In recognition of its commitment to quality family programming, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts was voted Brooklyn’s Best Theater or Theater Group for Kids as part of Nickelodeon’s 2009 ParentsConnect Parents’ Picks Awards.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College

2 train to Brooklyn College/Flatbush Avenue

Online orders: www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org