by Joseph Zwilling and Mercedes Anderson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2018
THE FALL SEASON AT THE SHEEN CENTER OPENS WITH THE CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED ORIGINAL SERIES “JESUITS AND JEDI EPISODE II” AND FEATURES SIGNATURE SERIES “CIVILITY IN AMERICA”, THE JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL, THE NEW YORK PREMIERE OF “ALL IS CALM” AND “ALFRED E. SMITH: THE MAN BEHIND THE DINNER” HOSTED BY CARDINAL DOLAN
THE SHEEN CENTER FOR THOUGHT & CULTURE has succeeded in securing its place in the competitive cultural landscape of New York City art centers with its distinguished mission and consistent programmatic achievements in the areas of film, theater, talk and music. The 2018 Fall Season opens this month with an outstanding array of events, including the second installment of JESUITS AND JEDI EPISODE II: THE DOMINICANS STRIKE BACK, on September 29 at 7:00PM in the Loreto Theater. This critically-acclaimed SHEEN CENTER original series presents the dialogue between faith and science through the highly accessible and iconic lens of Star Wars and will feature guest speakers Fr. Humbert Kilanowski, O.P. and Fr. John Marie Devaney, O.P.
Cardinal Dolan will host “ALFRED E. SMITH: THE MAN BEHIND THE DINNER” a panel discussion with historians Terry Golway and Robert Slayton for a look back at the extraordinary life and legacy of Alfred E. Smith on Monday, October 1 at 6:00PM. This year marks the 90 th anniversary of Alfred E. Smith’s gubernatorial run and the event will highlight his unparalleled contribution to American political life. The evening will feature a short video, panel discussion, and (invitation only) Pop-Up Exhibit curated by the Archives of the Archdiocese of New York.
A broad range of authors and thought leaders will, once again, be engaging audiences and showcasing their ideas at The Sheen Center this season, taking on politics, civility in public discourse and the many lived expressions of faith in the world today. THE SHEEN CENTER signature series, CIVILITY IN AMERICA, hosted in partnership with AMERICA MEDIA, returns this season with CIVILITY IN AMERICA: ON CAMPUS. Princeton University professors Cornel West and Robert P. George will take the Loreto Stage on December 18 at 7:00PM to discuss civility in higher education. These intellectual giants will teach by example, debating charged topics from their respective liberal and conservative perspectives.
Talks at the Sheen Center begin on October 4 at 6:30PM with America Media’s JOHN COURTNEY MURRAY, S. J., LECTURE: RESTORING CIVILITY TO THE PUBLIC DISCOURSE, featuring Arthur Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute. October 5 at 7:00PM. Fox News’ Juan Williams will discuss his new book, What the Hell Do You Have to Lose? Trump’s War on Civil Rights in the Loreto Theater. Talks will take a philosophical turn with the 2018 ALBACETE LECTURE ON FAITH AND CULTURE, presented by the Crossroads Cultural Center on October 27 at 8:00pm, featuring author and Catholic University of America’s Associate Professor D.C. Schindler speaking on the essence of freedom and its forgotten origins. Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B. will join Rachel Marie Collins on October 18 at 6:00PM to discuss Collins’ book Called by God: Discernment and Preparation for Religious Life in Studios A&B . On December 12 at 7:00 PM in the Black Box Theater National Review Senior Editor Jonah Goldberg will discuss his book Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy.
THE SIXTH ANNUAL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL returns to THE SHEEN CENTER November 2 through November 4 with an impressive roster of socially-conscious films that include director Brian Ivie’s EMANUEL, the untold story of the victims and survivors of the 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. The festival also features director Kenneth A. Carlson’s THE HEART OF NUBA, an inspirational portrait of American doctor, Tom Catena, depicting his selfless service to a forgotten community in the Nuba Mountains of war-torn Sudan. The complete listing of films will be announced on THE SHEEN CENTER website next week.
The New York premiere of the critically- acclaimed play ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 opens on November 9 and runs through December 30 in the Loreto Theater. The a capella musical tells the story of the unlikely truce of 1914 that brought British, German, and French soldiers out of the trenches to celebrate Christmas in a moment of mutual recognition, defiance, and grace in the midst of World War I. In addition to great theater, film, talks, and signature speaker series, the fall season brings with it outstanding music, poetry, spoken word performances, “Christmas at The Sheen Center” and much more. Please refer below for complete listings or visit www.sheencenter.org.
The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture is a New York City arts center located in NoHo that presents a vibrant mix of theater, film, music, art and talk events. A project of the Archdiocese of New York, The Sheen Center serves all New Yorkers by presenting performances and artists that reflect the true, the good, and the beautiful. Named for the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, best remembered as an inspirational author, radio host and two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality, The Sheen Center reflects his modern-day approach to contemporary topics. The Sheen Center is a state-of-the-art theater complex that includes the 270-seat off-Broadway Loreto Theater, equipped with five-camera high-definition TV and live-stream capability and a multi-track recording studio; the 80-seat off-off-Broadway Black Box Theater; four rehearsal studios; and an art gallery.
Members of the press interested in attending or covering any of the events are asked to kindly reach out to [email protected].
2018 Fall Season:
FILM
INTO THE NIGHT: SCREENING AND PANEL
October 17 at 7PM in the Loreto Theater
Screening of an uplifting new documentary by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Helen Whitney that grapples with death and dying. The screening is followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker. $12
FOR LOVE ALONE: PREMIERE
Presented by the Frassati Fellowship NYC
October 19 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater
For Love Alone uses the testimony of religious sisters, their family members, and those they serve to convey the hidden beauty of religious life. $12
THE JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL
November 2 – 4
The festival comprises five features, ten shorts and talkbacks with the filmmakers.
$40 Festival Pass/$15 per film
Emanuel – The untold story of the victims and survivors of the Emanuel A.M.E. Church shooting in Charleston, SC in 2015.
The Heartof Nuba – An inspirational portrait of American doctor Tom Catena as he selflessly and courageously serves the needs of a forgotten community in the Nuba Mountains of war-torn Sudan.
American Beat: Cops and Refugees Join Forces in Boise – Three heartwarming stories chronicling the groundbreaking efforts of Boise, Idaho police officers to integrate and mentor refugees from war-ravaged parts of the world.
(Visit sheencenter.org next week for the full Justice Film Festival schedule)
THEATER
ALL IS CALM:THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914
November 9 – December 30in the Loreto Theater
This a capella musical recalls the moment when French, British, and German soldiers emerged from the trenches and laid down their arms to celebrate Christmas together, a glorious respite from the horrors of World War I.
$49 previews/$69/$89
BACKSTAGE BROADWAY: COME FROM AWAY
November 12 at 7PM in the Black Box Theater
Tony Award nominee Chad Kimball sings and interviews Kevin Tuerff, the real-life inspiration for his character in Broadway’s Come From Away. Kevin’s life was forever changed when he and 6,600 other strangers landed in Gander, Newfoundland.
$25
PRINZE: THE ONE-MAN SHOW
October 24 – November 18 in the Black Box Theater
Prinze charts the meteoric rise and tragic fall of ‘70’s comedy icon Freddie Prinze, whose short life opened doors for the next generations of Latino performers.
$35
TALK
CIVILITY IN AMERICA: ON CAMPUS
Presented by The Sheen Center and America Media
December 18 at 7PM in the Loreto Theater
Civility in America returns this season with Princeton professors Cornel West and Robert P. George, a liberal and a conservative debating civility in higher education, moderated by Fr. Matt Malone, S.J., Editor in Chief of America Media.
$20 ($15 students)
JESUITS & JEDI EPISODE II:THE DOMINICANS STRIKE BACK!
September 29 at 7PM at the Loreto Theater
Explore questions about good and evil via Star Wars with Dominican priests, author Fr. Humbert Kilanowski, O.P. and SIRIUS XM radio host Fr. John Maria Devaney, O.P. $15 ($10 Students)
ALFRED E. SMITH: THE MAN BEHIND THE DINNER
Presented by the Archdiocese of New York
October 1 at 6:00PM in the Loreto Theater
Timothy Cardinal Dolan and a panel of authors and historians discuss the legacy of Alfred E. Smith, former New York governor and first Catholic presidential candidate.
FREE (RSVP required)
THE JOHN COURTNEY MURRAY, S.J., LECTURE: RESTORING CIVILITY TO THE PUBLIC DISCOURSE
Presented by America Media
October 4 at 6:30PM in the Loreto Theater
Lecture by Arthur Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute.
$15
THE 2018 ALBACETE LECTURE ON FAITH & CULTURE
Presented by the Crossroads Cultural Center
October 27 at 8PM in the Loreto Theater
Lecture by author and academic D.C. Schindler on the essence of freedom and its forgotten origins.
FREE (RSVP required)
ANNUAL FULTON SHEEN LECTURE
December 9 at 1PM in theLoreto Theater
Monsignor Hilary Franco, former assistant to Archbishop Sheen, and Alexis Walkenstein, editor of a compilation of Sheen’s writings, celebrate the life and legacy of Fulton Sheen.
FREE (RSVP required)
FAITH AND DUTY:THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN TIMES OF WAR
December 15 at 4PM in the Black Box Theater
This panel discussion will examine the role that faith plays in times of war, beginning with the rise of the chaplain corps during the First World War.
$10
14TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERARY AWARDS
October 6 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater
Recognizing and honoring the outstanding achievements and contributions of African-American writers in the publishing, arts and entertainment industries.
$55/VIP Reception $75
MOTHER DOLORES HART
Presented by St. Paul Center
October 18 at 6PM in Studios A&B
Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B. discusses Called by God: Discernment and Preparation for Religious Life with author Rachael Marie Collins.
$10
MUSIC
GEORGE WINSTON
November 27 at 8PM in the Loreto Theater
Grammy Award-winning solo pianist plays favorite pieces spanning his five-decade career, which includes nearly 20 solo albums and soundtracks. $35/$45/$65
NEW YORK VOICES30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
October 12 at 8PM in the Loreto Theater
Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, and Kim Nazarian celebrate 30 years of collaboration as New York Voices, whose critically acclaimed style of close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements, and unparalleled vocal blend will be on display in this anniversary concert. $25/$35/$45
SUZZY ROCHE AND LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE: A TRIBUTE TO MAGGIE ROCHE
With special guests THE INDIGO GIRLS
December 4 at 8PM in the Loreto Theater
Singer-songwriters and mother-daughter-duo Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche return to The Sheen Center with The Indigo Girls to pay tribute to the late Maggie Roche of the singing Roche sisters. Tickets $40/$50/$75/VIP $125
There is more music programming in the CHRISTMAS listing.
AUTHORS NIGHTS
JUAN WILLIAMS
October 5 at 7PM in the Loreto Theater
Fox News’ Juan Williams discusses his new book, What The Hell Do You Have To Lose? Trump’s War on Civil Rights. $10
JONAH GOLDBERG
December 12 at 7PM in the Black Box Theater
National Review Senior Editor Jonah Goldberg discusses his book Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy. $10
LEAH LIBRESCO SARGEANTAND EVE TUSHNET
December 13 at 7PM in the Black Box Theater
Leah Libresco Sargeant (Building The Benedict Option: A Guide to Gathering Two or Three Together in His Name) and Eve Tushnet ( Christ’sBody, Christ’s Wounds) discuss their books with America Media’s Kerry Weber. $10
SPOKEN WORD/RAP/POETRY
THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM:
A NIGHT OF POETRY WITH SARAH KAY, ANIS MOJGANI, CLINT SMITH AND HANIF ABDURRAQIB
October 3 at 7:30 PM in theLoreto Theater
Sarah Kay and friends return to the Loreto Theater for an evening of incredible poetry and spoken word. $20/$30/$45
PAGE MEETS STAGEWITH SHARON OLDS & OCEAN VUONG
Presented by Page Meets Stage
October 28 at 6PM in the Loreto Theater
An evening of poetry from Pulitzer Prize winner Sharon Olds and T.S. Eliot Prize winner Ocean Vuong.
$25
CARIDAD DE LA CRUZ
September 27 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater
Caridad De La Cruz is a Bronx- born performer considered one of America’s leading spoken word poets. $20/$30/$45
REG E. GAINES
October 2 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater
The two-time Tony Award nominee, Grammy nominee, and author of four books of poetry brings his unique art to life on stage. $20/$30/$45
CHRISTMAS AT THE SHEEN CENTER
In addition to ALL IS CALM:THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 (see THEATER listing), The Sheen Center presents the following Christmas season offerings:
OLIVER MESSAIEN:VINGT REGARDS SUR L’ENFANT-JÉSUS
December 10 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater
Five of New York’s most distinguished contemporary pianists join together to perform Olivier Messiaen’s profound meditations on the Infant Jesus.
$20/$30 ($15 students)
LÚNASA: CHRISTMAS FROM IRELAND, with special guestASHLEY DAVIS
December 11 at 7:30PM in the Loreto Theater
A musical, spoken word, and entertainment tapestry that takes the audience back to the band’s Irish homeland in the days leading up to Christmas. $25/$35/$45
SHEEN CENTER FAMILY CHRISTMAS
December 17 at7PM in the LoretoTheater
Tony Award nominee
Jamie Parker,
Broadway’s Harry
Potter, reads the
holiday poem “The
Night Before Christmas,” choirs sing,
and the event caps
off with a screening of a classic holiday short film. $15 ($10 students)
MINI COURSES
IMPROV FOR EVERYONE
September 10 – October 22 in Studio C
Discover your inner stand-up with this six-week improv comedy course taught by seasoned performers Adam Hamway and Paul Valenti. $199 for six classes
THE GREATBOOKS SERIES: PART 1
October 3, November 14,December 5 at 7PM
Journalist, poet, and author James P. MacGuire discusses three great Catholic novels in three sessions: Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited, Graham Greene’s The End of the Affair, and Walker Percy’s The Thanatos Syndrome. $20 for three classes
JOHN PATRICK SHANLEY WORKSHOP
Presented by the Australian Theatre Company and 16th Street Actors Studio Australia
October 21 – 25in the Loreto Theater
Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and Oscar-winning writer and director John Patrick Shanley leads a five-day acting workshop. See website for details.
GALLERY
All exhibitions are in The Gallery (in the Elizabeth Street lobby), from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. FREE
ON SOLITUDE: THE ART OF MATTHEW KIRBY
August 9 – September 7
Paintings attempt to locate
both the personal and the remote through traditional and nontraditional techniques on an intimate scale. Opening reception: August 9, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
BARABBAS’S GARDEN: THE ART OF JENN CACCIOLA
September 13 – October 12
Free stitch embroidery merges with wood lithography and the human voice in an interactive exhibition.
Opening reception: September 13, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
KISUMU: ART FROM THE MWANGAZA ART SCHOOL
October 18 – November 16
Art from students of Mwangaza Art School in Kenya. Opening reception: October 18, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
FAITH & DUTY: NEW YORK’S CHAPLAINS IN WORLD WAR I
Curated by Kate Feighery and Bridget Cusick
November 21 – December 15
Accompanying the musical All is Calm in the Loreto, World War I as seen through the words of chaplain priests and soldiers who served from the Archdiocese of New York. Opening reception: November 29, 5:00-7:00 PM
THE ETERNAL DIVINE: THE ARTOF OKSANA PROKOPENKO
December 20 – January 18, 2019
Exquisite oil paintings and micro-mosaics composed of tiny pieces of glass. Opening reception December 20, 5:00 – 7:00 PM