The Michael Schimmel Center of the Arts boasts exclusive interviews with Hollywood’s most famed actors, beautifully choreographed dances of every genre, inspiring singers from different musical backgrounds and numerous other forms of entertainment each year.
The theatre is located at 3 Spruce Street, and is a part of the University’s campus. However, the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts is open to the public and has become an established performance venue in New York City.
James Lipton’s Inside the Actor’s Studio is filmed in the Schimmel Theater. During the previous academic year, appearances were made by Liam Neeson, Tina Fey and Bradley Cooper who also brought Robert De Niro along as a special guest.
Before students began moving back onto campus for the academic year, James Lipton interviewed the Oscar-nominated Jake Gyllenhaal on the show. Gyllenhaal opened up about his relationship with Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain, addressed the gay rumors that speculated from this role and even discussed how it was to work with Anne Hathaway again in Love & Other Drugs. He further discussed his upcoming crime-thriller film, Prisoners, which premieres on Sept. 20.
Julian Hollinger, a sophomore at the University, said, “I am very excited to see who James Lipton invites to Inside the Actor’s Studio. It is my favorite part of what the Schimmel Theater has to offer. I am hopeful to see Sandra Bullock, Viola Davis or James Franco at the Actor’s Studio this year.”
The first event to showcase at the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts this year is Sonorama: The Lost Space Age Music of Esquivel. On Sept. 21 at 7:30pm, Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica will perform Juan Garcia Esquivel’s lost space-age music. The band consists of four singers, a B3 organ, three percussionists and a slide guitar, all of which contributes to an experimental group of musicians. All tickets are $35 for this event.
Django’s Dream will also be held at the Schimmel Theater during the month of September. This will be a 1930s gypsy swing festival featuring a multitude of talented guitarists. Stephane Wrembel, Kamlo and Alfonso Ponticelli are among these guitarists and have very distinguished musical careers. Wrembel has been exclaimed “a revelation” by Rolling Stone in addition to composing the film score for Woody Allen’s most recent films. This show will take place on Sept. 28 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $35 for this event as well.
One of the most anticipated events this upcoming season is The Nutcracker. From Dec. 12 through Dec. 15, audiences will have the opportunity to experience this holiday tradition presented by Gelsey Kirkland Ballet and Michael Chernov. The Nutcracker is a holiday favorite that is bound to impress audiences of all ages. Tickets for this event range from $30-$55.
Abe Tomo, a senior at the University, explained, “I remember seeing The Nutcracker when I was younger, but am now happy to be able to relive the experience. Now that I am older, I will be able to appreciate it more and it will surely help get me into the holiday spirit.”
Hollinger adds, “It will be very festive.”
Acoustic Underground, Recuerdo Tango, Deep Roots of Rock and Roll: Black Rock Coalition, Maria T. Balanescu Quartet, Brian Sanders’ Junk and even a tribute to the legendary singer Edith Piaf are all listed on the scheduled performances for the Schimmel Center.
There is even a lecture series on Art History, focusing on France’s most fascinating art from great medieval cathedrals to post-impressionism. The lectures will be led by Dr. Janetta Rebold Benton and will be held each Wednesday from Oct. 9 through Oct. 30. Individual tickets can be purchased for $25 or people can pay a flat rate of $80 for all the lectures.
Tomo continues, “There is a large art program at the University, so I am hopeful the students will find value in this and that the lecture series will stand a chance compared to the other entertainment-driven events at the Schimmel Theater. If professors incorporate it into the curriculum, it will do very well.”
The Schimmel Theater is also home to the University’s own plays and musicals. Last year, Spring Awakening was well-received by audiences who are hopeful for a similar experience this upcoming year. The calendar for the University’s own plays and musicals is still being comprised, but will be updated to the website upon completion.
