BROADWAY AND OPERA

Fun and Fitness to Broadway Tunes

No classes in June, July & August

This fun, gentle exercise class is designed to increase flexibility and improve aerobic conditioning through easy movements. Directed by Richard Feldman who taught English at Bethlehem High School for 33 years and has directed and choreographed over 125 musicals in and around the Albany area. 

Exploring Opera: Magnificent Mozart – His Glory in the Opera House 

Thursdays, September 8 & 15, 2022 from 4-5:15pm (ET) on Zoom  

Immerse yourself in the world of Mozart – the early operas, when his genius was ready to burst forth; and the stupendous works of his maturity, when his brilliance as a musical dramatist was truly incomparable. Join Roger Pines on a voyage into some of the most glorious music ever written for the operatic stage! This special mini-series will reveal exactly what it takes to perform Mozart memorably, and will be illustrated by historically important performances by many of the greatest Mozart interpreters in the history of recording. 

Presented in partnership with the OMJCC and the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance.  The Albany JCC receives a portion of each ticket purchased. Purchase tickets here. Early bird ends 9/6

Exploring Broadway: Shall We Dance?

Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27th from 4-5:15pm (ET) on Zoom

Dance became an integral part of musical theater with choreographer Agnes de Mille’s groundbreaking “Dream Ballet” in Oklahoma! In the time since, Bennett, Fosse, Robbins, Stroman, Tune and many others have created magical moments of movement from the intimate expressions of individuals to the energetic showstoppers of group production numbers. Journey with James Sokol through various dance numbers of an array of genres – ballet, jazz, Latin, rock & roll, tap and more – from “Golden Age” classics to contemporary classics. Video performance clips bring these exciting numbers into the discussion. Come for the dances; stay for the fun! 

Presented in partnership with the OMJCC and the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance.  The Albany JCC receives a portion of each ticket purchased. Purchase tickets here. Early bird ends 10/4.

Exploring Opera: Compare & Contrast 

Thursdays, November 3, 10 & 17th from 4-5:30pm (ET) on Zoom

After raves from the January opera series, James Sokol returns with a special mini-series filled with a new set of arias, fabulous singers, and gorgeous music; a great series for opera newcomers & the long-time fans. This deep dive may help illuminate who was better, this famous singer or that famous singer? Maybe a forgotten singer or an unknown singer? The answer is complex; it depends on the role, the moment in each career, especially on the listener’s preferences, and more! Still, to compare and contrast the same aria sung by different voices can be very interesting, sometimes illuminating, usually beautiful. Come for the songs; stay for the fun! 

Presented in partnership with the OMJCC and the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance.  The Albany JCC receives a portion of each ticket purchased. Purchase tickets here. Early bird ends 11/1.

Exploring Broadway: Fabulous “Fiddler” (Part I: An Encore!) 

Thursday, December 8th from 4-6:00pm (ET) on Zoom

Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock’s beloved Fiddler on the Roof is widely considered the last of Broadway’s “Golden Age” musicals. Before its premiere, some producers were concerned that it was "too Jewish" to attract mainstream audiences. However, the touching story and beautiful score proved to capture “the essential human longings for love, community, success, freedom, and family.” Join instructor James Sokol for an exploration – filled with interesting facts, delightful tidbits & nostalgic video clips – of this perennial favorite! Songs covered in this session include, "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Do You Love Me." Come for the songs; stay for the fun! 

Presented in partnership with the OMJCC and the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance.  The Albany JCC receives a portion of each ticket purchased. Purchase tickets here. Early bird ends 12/6.

Exploring Broadway: Fabulous "Fiddler" (Part-II, A Sequel) 

Thursday, December 15th from 4-6:00pm (ET) on Zoom

Join in this new class as instructor James Sokol continues an exploration of Harnick & Bock’s beloved Fiddler on the Roof.  Filled with interesting facts, delightful tidbits & nostalgic video clips, this lecture will explore such songs as "Sabbath Prayer," "Miracle of Miracles," "The Bottle Dance," "Far From the Home I Love," and "Anatevka."  Come for the songs; stay for the fun!  Note: Attending Part-I is not a requirement for joining or enjoying Part-II. 

Presented in partnership with the OMJCC and the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance.  The Albany JCC receives a portion of each ticket purchased. Purchase tickets here. Early bird ends 12/13.

The Best of Broadway: Mostly Musicals Trip 

May 23-29, May 30-June 5 & June 6-12, 2023 in New York City

Give your regards to Broadway with a musical journey to the “city that never sleeps!”  Head to NYC which is bustling with the excitement of countless shows and with the anticipation of the Tony Awards. Join in this trip to see seven – yes, seven! – of Broadway’s hottest shows – mostly musicals! Three exclusive discussions with Broadway professionals not only offer personal insights into the lives of those in the theater community, but also are sure to be a highlight of trip!  

Enjoy sumptuous meals in some of the Theater Districts culinary gems...and more! Come for the delightful musicals! Leave with memories of great shows, interesting “behind the curtain” discussions, delicious meals, and more! For details & pricing, email James at alliance@marinjcc.org