Savoy Bookshop & Café presents Terry Brooks – Author Talk and Q&A. Terry Brooks has thrilled readers for decades with his powers of imagination and storytelling. He is the author of more than forty books, most of which have been New York Times bestsellers. Among his accomplishments, he was hand-selected by George Lucas to write the novelization of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, which also hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. He joins us at The United the day after the release of ‘Daughter of Darkness,’ his highly anticipated sequel to ‘Child of Light,’ in an all-new fantasy series about a human girl adapting to her place in a magical world she’s only recently discovered.
Billy Bragg has been a fearless recording artist, tireless live performer and peerless political campaigner for more than 35 years. Best known for songs “New England,” “California Stars,” “Hobo’s Lullaby” and “Tanks Park Salute” among many others – his unflinching songs continue a proud tradition of protest music throughout the ages. His music, deeply rooted in the righteous social commentary of predecessors like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, blends elements of folk music, punk rock, and protest songs to offer commentary on our world in each pointed verse. South Africa-born, Berlin-based songstress Alice Phoebe Lou will be opening the evening’s performance.
It’s all about family dynamics when Salt Marsh Opera presents a double bill of one-act comedies by two of opera’s most famous composers, Giacomo Puccini and Arthur Sullivan. Gianni Schicchi, Puccini’s only comedy, is a laugh-out-loud farce about the Donati Family and the passing of their not so dearly beloved patriarch, Buoso Donati. The family fortune hangs in the balance as each member of the family looks to bend the late Buoso’s will to their advantage with the help of the conniving Gianni Schicchi. In Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, the hijinks move into the courtroom when a jilted bride and her philandering groom battle it out in divorce court in this slightly updated production of the G&S classic.
It’s all about family dynamics when Salt Marsh Opera presents a double bill of one-act comedies by two of opera’s most famous composers, Giacomo Puccini and Arthur Sullivan. Gianni Schicchi, Puccini’s only comedy, is a laugh-out-loud farce about the Donati Family and the passing of their not so dearly beloved patriarch, Buoso Donati. The family fortune hangs in the balance as each member of the family looks to bend the late Buoso’s will to their advantage with the help of the conniving Gianni Schicchi. In Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, the hijinks move into the courtroom when a jilted bride and her philandering groom battle it out in divorce court in this slightly updated production of the G&S classic.
Jeff Coffin, 3x Grammy-winning saxophonist of Dave Matthews Band (and Bela Fleck & the Flectones before that), comes to The United for an evening with an all-star trio. The group sprang from a series of COVID-era jams in their hometown of Nashville and features, in addition to Coffin, eclectic composer and bassist Viktor Krauss (Robert Plant. Bill Frisell, James Taylor), and drummer and percussionist Jordan Perlson (Matisyahu, Becca Stevens, Snarky Puppy). Their debut album will be released on Ear Up Records in the not-so-distant future. The trio is joined at the United by special guest Leo Genovese (Esperanza Spalding, Jack DeJohnette).
Bold moves from iconic choreographers. World-class dance from The United’s resident dance company and premier dance institution in the region returns for another one night only spectacular program of moving art. The nearly sold out debut in April was met with audience acclaim for the company’s expansive artistic range and brilliant creative offerings.
Big Grande is a comedy group based out of Los Angeles. They’ve been bringing their brand of rapid, absurd, honest, and wild live shows to sold out crowds at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles for over a decade. Using conversations with the audience, they’ll do a set of improvised scenes that will leave you laughing (hopefully) and them sweating (definitely).
Big Grande is Dan Lippert, Jon Mackey, Ryan Rosenberg, and Drew Tarver from the popular podcast, The Teachers Lounge. Learn more at biggrandewebsite.com.
Opening for Big Grande is Providence Improv Guild (P.I.G.) – an organization dedicated to building a community of improvisers in Providence.
Darlingside is a four-person indie folk band from Boston. Band members Dave Senft (vocals, bass), Don Mitchell (vocals, guitar, banjo), Auyon Mukharji (vocals, violin, mandolin), and Harris Paseltiner (vocals, cello, guitar) are a dynamic presence–crowded tightly together onstage for the audience to witness four voices turn to a singular texture of sound. Paired with sharp wit and wordplay, their songs are treasures for literary and lyric-loving fans.
Opening performance by Louisa Stancioff. Darlingside website | Louisa Stancioff website
This program is presented in partnership between The United Theatre and the Chorus of Westerly. In essence, Speakeasy Choir is a one night choir open to anyone. Everyone who attends will automatically become a member of a singing ensemble for the night and will learn a song with harmonies. At the end of the night, you will all perform with The United Theatre House Band (made up of instructors from our RI Phil Music School at The United). This month we will be learning and performing the song ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire!
Grammy Nominated for BEST FOLK ALBUM in 2020, Bonny Light Horseman joins The United for this very special performance just after the October 2022 release of their new album Rolling Golden Holy. We’re pleased to welcome these talented performers to Westerly–Anaïs Mitchell (Tony award-winning Broadway musical Hadestown), Eric D. Johnson (Fruit Bats, The Shins), and Josh Kaufman (The National, Hiss Golden Messenger, Josh Ritter). Presented by Westerly Sound.
