FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2024
Kill Date: September 12, 2024
The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University Announces its 2024-25 Season
Season announcement highlights 11 presented events and the return of Bonnie Jean Kelly & Joan Kelly Distinguished Visiting Scholars Lecture Series
St. Paul, Minn. – The O’Shaughnessy’s 2024-25 season presents 13 new events that invite audience members to engage with us. Anchor events include The Sound of (Black) Music and Mandy Gonzalez in Concert.
● The Sound of (Black) Music (Feb. 22) is a dynamic and groundbreaking production that reimagines one of America’s most beloved musical classics through a joyful, Afro-futuristic lens.
● Mandy Gonzalez in Concert (March 22) Mandy Gonzalez is an accomplished film, TV, and stage actor and author. She possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. Mandy has starred on Broadway in the megahit Hamilton as Angelica Schuyler. She also originated Nina Rosario in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, In The Heights, for which Mandy received a Drama Desk Award.
Additionally, the 2024/25 season includes the return of the Bonnie Jean Kelly & Joan Kelly Distinguished Visiting Scholars Lecture Series, featuring Pulitzer Prize winner, Isabel Wilkerson, and The Right Honorable Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
● Isabel Wilkerson: Our Racial Moment of Truth (Oct. 3) Pulitzer Prize winner and National Humanities Medal recipient Isabel Wilkerson is the author of The New York Times bestsellers and critically-acclaimed Caste and National Book Critics Circle Award winner The Warmth of Other Suns.
● The Right Honorable Dame Jacinda Ardern (March 7) became the Prime Minister of New Zealand at just 37 years of age. During her time in office, she faced the challenges of a live-streamed domestic terror attack against New Zealand’s Muslim community, a volcanic eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Ardern is a champion of women’s empowerment. While in office, New Zealand reached 50 percent representation of women in parliament, and on government-appointed boards.
THE O’SHAUGHNESSY PRESENTS:
● The Moth Project (Oct. 25) David Attenborough meets Laurie Anderson in The MOTH PROJECT, a new production from Peter Kiesewalter, GRAMMY-nominated and EMMY-winning creator of the East Village Opera Company. Blending music, family history, and moth lore, The MOTH PROJECT brings art and science together in entirely original and unexpected ways.
● Sierra Hull (Nov. 14) is widely regarded to be a master of her instrument; A two-time Grammy Nominated artist and songwriter, recognized for both her most recent projects, 25 Trips (2020) and Weighted Mind (2016), she is also the 6x recipient of IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year, the first woman to ever receive this distinction. A pioneer for acoustic music throughout her already impressive multi-decade career, she has graced the country’s most iconic stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and the White House.
● Judy Carmichael (Nov. 16) Judy’s music and humor have been featured on A Prairie Home Companion, Entertainment Tonight, and for over 20 years on Judy’s NPR program Jazz Inspired.
● B2Wins “Sounds of the Season” with The Violin Twins (Dec. 1) “Sounds of the Season” is an engaging, uplifting, holiday celebration featuring unique musical renditions and surprises throughout the night that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and fill you with holiday joy.
● Kevin Kling and Friends: Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log (Dec. 7) is a holiday show with Kevin Kling, Dan Chouinard and Simone Perrin. Joined again by the ever-popular Brass Messengers, the show has been performed every year since 1995 and has become a holiday tradition for many.
● Kevin Kling & Friends: The Love Show: Mighty Love (Feb. 14) features Kevin Kling, Prudence Johnson, Dan Chouinard, Claudia Schmidt, Dane Stauffer, Bradley Greenwald and Simone Perrin that will unleash their superpowers of Country, Opera,, Folk, Poetry and the Spoken Word on Valentine’s Day night.
● Cello Stories (Feb. 15) With over twenty years of Broadway experience, and having performed as a regular member of twenty-one Broadway shows, Mairi explores what it is to be a Broadway musician. Using exquisite arrangements and captivating stories, she illustrates what drew her to a career of supporting a story through music.
● Ladies of Laughter: Funny & Fabulous Tour (March 8) includes winners and the best talent from its competition. What started out as an annual videotape comedy competition in New York to honor a fellow woman in comedy who helped so many others get their start (Mary Jo Wobker), has steadily become known in the comedy world as the careerbuilder for women in comedy. Featuring Kelly MacFarland and Leighann Lord, third performer to be announced at a later date.
● Mandy Harvey (March 28) is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and inspirational speaker who lost her residual hearing at the age of nineteen. Mandy tours the world performing her original music and presenting her inspirational story of never giving up and continuing to try – she calls these messages Wisdom For Life.
TICKETS
Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale.
The O’Shaughnessy is pleased to offer two subscription options that range in price from $69-$99 and allow the general public to save up to 50% off the single ticket price if purchased before October 4, 2024. Single tickets are priced $33-$49. They can be purchased online at oshag.stkate.edu, by phone at 651-690-6700 or in person at our Ticket Office at 2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN.
THE O’SHAUGHNESSY DANCE COHORT
The O’Shaughnessy is proud to partner with local dance companies through The O’Shaughnessy Dance Cohort. Contempo Physical Dance events will be announced at a later date.
● Ananya Dance Theatre
ANTARANGA: BETWEEN YOU AND ME (Sept. 27 & 28) is set in a world in deep crisis (much like our own) where most people have lost their ability to recognize each other’s humanity or connect with each other. A few humsafar (Urdu for “fellow travelers”) remain, blessed with super-connecting and heart-opening powers. As they undertake perilous journeys, they forge connectivities that may yet heal the world.
● James Sewell Ballet (March 14 & 15) celebrates a remarkable 35 years that have produced over 200 distinct dance pieces, supported vital opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists, and won over countless individuals who never expected contemporary ballet was for them. The evening features a retrospective that revisits past hits and company favorites.
● TU Dance (April 25 & 26) celebrates its 20th Anniversary and marks this significant milestone by featuring the works of prominent and renowned African American choreographers that have been supportive and connected to TU Dance since its inception.
FREE EVENTS AT THE O’SHAUGHNESSY
● TPT’s Mix Tape: Women’s Civic Leadership Then & Now (Sept. 12) is an interactive experience about the role of women in leadership, civic engagement, and education. Clips from TPT’s recent Minnesota Experience films highlighting women change makers will spark lively discussion with regional leaders. This MN Herstory ‘mix tape’ will inspire and inform participants of all ages. Daniel Bergin, TPT executive producer will curate clips from: Hope in the Struggle, Citizen, Profe la Lucha Sigue and Bring Her Home.
This event is pay as you are able, $0 – $20.
● Katie Leadership Impact, Women of Color Leadership Series: Idea to Impact: Empowering Community Through Entrepreneurship (Oct. 24) In a moderated discussion, entrepreneurs will share the various paths they took to turn a business idea into a reality that serves and impacts their communities. They will share missions, visions and values; stories of successes won and obstacles overcome; and the wisdom they’ve acquired through their unwavering perseverance and commitment.
Featuring:
○ Junita Flowers, CEO and Founder of Junita’s Jars
○ Tianna Thompson, SheEO and Founder of The Human of Color Haircare
○ DeVonna Pittman, CEO and Founder of Nature’s Syrup Skin and Hair Care
○ Tameka Jones, CEO and Founder of Lip Esteem
ABOUT THE O’SHAUGHNESSY
Located on the scenic campus of St. Catherine University, The O’Shaughnessy is one of the Twin Cities’ premiere arts venues. Since opening in 1970, The O’Shaughnessy has presented an array of both local and national performing arts companies. The O’Shaughnessy’s mission is to support St. Catherine University’s mission to educate women to lead and influence. It presents annually a world-class series of artistic offerings that center themes of social justice and women’s voices, produces University Events that invite the general public’s participation and broaden academic engagement, and hosts select community events. The venue is a meeting place between the campus community and larger region, and seeks opportunities to actively engage students in artmaking and broaden the campus dialogue through approachable art. More information can be found at oshag.stkate.edu.
CONTACT:
Allison Secord, Sales & Marketing Manager
Phone: (651) 690-6700
Email: amsecord010@stkate.edu
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