INFORMATION FOR
Watch Highlights from the 2023-24 Performance Season
About WP Presents
WP Presents! strives to bring to campus high caliber touring artists across a range of disciplines including acoustic and world music, contemporary folk music, theatre, dance, family programming and other eclectic fare. The series is built on a foundation of excellence and continuously seeks innovative programming to serve the campus, and the community.
A multitude of artists including The 5th Dimension, Arlo Guthrie, Carl Palmer of Emerson Lake & Palmer, David Crosby, Darlene Love, DMC of Run DMC, Graham Nash, Johnny Ventura, Judy Collins, John Sebastian, Jim Messina, Los Lonely Boys, Pete Davidson, Roy Haynes, Robert Cray, Southside Johnny, and Wanda Sykes, have graced our stage. We have presented works from national theatre tours of The Second City, Moscow Ballet, Aquila Theatre Company, Literature to Life, TheaterWorks USA, Vital Theatre, and the National Theatre of the Deaf. All Family Performances are sensory friendly productions presented by a variety of artists and theater companies. Many of our visiting artists conduct educational outreach programs, for both the community at large and the University.
The Great American Soul Book delivers a journey through the decades of Motown, R&B and other iconic Soulful music that inspired generations. This is no oldies show. It is a high energy tribute that highlights the music that made us groove, made us move and filled dance floors and concert halls in the 60’s, 70’s 80’ 90’s and beyond.
The show is performed by the American Soul Band, featuring four lead choreographed male lead singers who will remind you of the Temptations with their smooth harmonies and moves, while covering many of the biggest hitmakers from the decades that followed. Deanna Carroll, who for years toured as Dianna Ross in Lady Supreme, is joined by incredible background singers, bringing the songs of the most iconic Ladies of Soul to life. Their show, The Great American SoulBook will wow audiences with the music of The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, The Four Tops, The Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Luther Vandross, Sam and Dave, James Brown, Anita Baker, Babyface, Peobo Bryson, R. Kelly and so many more.
This is feel good music, that will have you singing along and on your feet, dancing to hits that will appeal to many generations of music lovers. This is a band that will never forget its roots in Motown and classic R&B, but continues the audience’s journey forward, as they pay homage to the most recent decades of soulful hits made famous by the next generations of superstars. American Soul brings the party to a concert near you…don’t miss it.
Admission: Gold Circle $45; Orchestra/Front Loge $40; Rear Loge/Accessible Seating $35
For close to four decades, the members of Big Head Todd and The Monsters—Todd Park Mohr [vocals, guitar, keys, sax, harmonica], Brian Nevin [drums], Rob Squires [bass, vocals], and Jeremy Lawton [keyboards, lap pedal/steel guitar, vocals]—have continued to both throw down in the studio and light up stages worldwide. Rallying around a core vision, the platinum-selling Colorado quartet kick out the kind of blues-drenched rock ‘n’ roll bangers that make you want to rev the engine a little louder, sing along like no one’s looking, and live a little freer. This holds true on their 12th full-length offering, Her Way Out.
As the story goes, Todd, Brian, and Rob unlocked their musical partnership during high school when they started jamming in the early eighties. Fast forward to 1986, they adopted the moniker Big Head Todd and The Monsters. BHTM released 2 successful independent records on their own BIG Records, Another Mayberry (1989) and Midnight Radio (1990) before drawing the attention of music industry titans and signing with Irving Azoff, Chuck Morris, and Frank Barsalona in 1992. They broke nationally with the platinum-certified staple Sister Sweetly (1993) which yielded four top 10 rock radio hits. They continued to progress with Strategem [1994] and Beautiful World [1997] which yielded several more rock radio hits including Boom Boom featuring John Lee Hooker. The band is continually touring and recording and has continued to put out albums that have received critical acclaim from both fans and press.
Among other milestones, their music literally reached the heavens when they played “Blue Sky” live at NASA Mission Control, delivering a celestial wakeup for astronauts aboard the International Space Station. They’ve toured and recorded with many rock and blues legends including B.B. King, Neil Young, The Allman Brothers, Hubert Sumlin, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Dave Matthews Band, The Eagles and their personal favorite Robert Plant. Not to mention, they attained hometown hero status by headlining Red Rocks Amphitheatre 35 times in addition to earning induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2023.
Her Way Out came to life organically. For two years, they hosted “Monster’s Music Monthly,” serving up either a new song or a new version of a classic online. Working out of Jeremy’s home studio, they parlayed this momentum into their latest LP. In the end, the future looks as bright as ever for these longtime friends.
Prices: Gold Circle $75; Orchestra/Front Loge $60; Rear Loge $50
Combine an intelligent interviewer with a roster of guests that, according to the Chicago Tribune, would be prized by any talk-show host, and you’re bound to get an interesting conversation. Fresh Air interviews, though, are in a category by themselves, distinguished by the unique approach of host and executive producer Terry Gross. “A remarkable blend of empathy and warmth, genuine curiosity and sharp intelligence,” says the San Francisco Chronicle. Gross, who has been host of Fresh Air since 1975, when it was broadcast only in Greater Philadelphia, isn’t afraid to ask tough questions. Fresh Air not only covers popular culture, it’s become part of it. The program and Gross have been name-checked on Saturday Night Live, Girls, HBO’s Eastbound and Down, and How I Met Your Mother. Gross played herself on an episode of The Simpsons and has been a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Gross began her radio career in 1973 at public radio station WBFO in Buffalo, New York, where she hosted and produced several arts, women’s and public affairs programs, including This Is Radio, a live, three-hour magazine program that aired daily. Two years later, she joined the staff of WHYY-FM in Philadelphia as producer and host of Fresh Air, then a local, daily interview and music program. In 1985, WHYY-FM launched a weekly half-hour edition of Fresh Air with Terry Gross, which was distributed nationally by NPR. Since 1987, a daily, one- hour national edition of Fresh Air has been produced by WHYY-FM. The program is broadcast on nearly 600 stations and became the first non-drivetime show in public radio history to reach more than 5 million listeners a week.
Fresh Air with Terry Gross received the Peabody Award in 1993 for its “probing questions, revelatory interviews and unusual insight.” In 2022 the show was awarded the Peabody Institutional Award “for their enduring body of work and their iconic impact on both the media landscape and the public imagination.” Terry Gross has received a Gracie Award in the category of Outstanding Radio Personality from American Women in Radio and Television; the Edward R. Murrow Award for her “outstanding contributions to public radio;” the National Book Foundation’s Literarian Award for outstanding service to the American literary community; the 2008 Columbia Journalism Award given in recognition of exceptional journalistic performance; the Modern Language Association’s Phyllis Franklin Award for Public Advocacy of the Humanities; the Authors Guild Award for Distinguished Service to the Literary Community; the National Humanities Medal from the National Endowment for the Humanities; and the Audio Vanguard Award. In 2015, Gross was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2023 she was named the PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion, an award presented by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation; this commendation is presented in recognition of devoted literary advocacy and a commitment to inspiring new generations of readers and writers. Gross is the author of All I Did Was Ask: Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians and Artists, published by Hyperion in 2004.
Tickets: Gold Circle $55; Orchestra/Front Loge $50; Rear Loge/Accessible Seating $40
This award-winning show to Taylor Swift, is the most prestigious tribute act for Taylor Swift in the US and some may say, the world. Created, produced, and delivered with pride, professionalism and with the highest level of attention to detail. With an incredible live band, this show promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show that you will ever find.
The traits possessed by Rikki Lee Wilson has “Swiftie” fans from across the world feeling like they are back watching Taylor Swift herself. The show features Taylor’s much-loved hits, including; Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble.
This fun, energetic show gets all the audience involved and has everyone singing along and “Shaking It Off” to all of Taylor Swift’s hits. As the US’s finest tribute to Taylor Swift, Rikki Lee Wilson, not only looks like Taylor Swift, but has the same mannerisms, energy on stage and attitude.
Rikki Lee Wilson is a dedicated Swiftie herself, she is proud of knowing EVERY song on EVERY album. So, if you have a favorite Taylor Swift song, be sure to let us know.
Tickets:
Gold Circle $47Orchestra $43Front Loge $40Rear Loge $35
One of the most commercially successful musical genres of all time, Yacht Rock has built a loyal and unwavering fan base who are today's prime ticket buying audience. Yacht Rock Gold Experience brings all your favorite hits from the late 1970's-early 1980's to new generations of music fans. Celebrating the smooth sounds of the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Little River Band, Ambrosia, Boz Skaggs and so many more, Yacht Rock Gold engages fans with amazing harmonies and musicianship that brings audiences back to a time when music made you feel good and soothed the soul. An evening with Yacht Rock Gold satisfies audiences craving hit song after hit, great visuals and a note for note performance. Yacht Rock Gold Experience is the Yacht Rock tribute you’ve been looking for and they are ready to bring the Yacht Party to YOU! Put on your captain’s hat and let’s party “All Night Long.”
Yacht Rock Gold Experience features four lead singers, delivering incredible harmonies, accompanied by a six-piece rhythm section with dancing horns that bring audiences to their feet, show after show.
Tickets: Gold Circle $45; Orchestra/Front Loge $40, Rear Loge $35
The international touring show, “The Beat Goes On” features American singer/ actress Lisa McClowry's portrayal of the Goddess of Pop in her one-woman Broadway-style live stage show. Lisa is completely convincing as CHER with every aspect of playing Cher down pat including her singing and speaking voice, the walk, the talk, the costumes, the makeup, and the mannerisms. In addition, the show incorporates a live band, LED walls, video, multiple costume changes, dynamic dialogue, humor, and fun audience participation. You can expect to hear Cher’s hits spanning from the 60’s to now including: I Got You Babe, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, I Found Someone, If I Could Turn Back Time, songs from ABBA - from Cher’s Dancing Queen album, Woman’s World, Welcome to Burlesque, Believe and so much more! The show has been met with incredible reviews, multiple sell-outs, and standing ovations! Lisa McClowry is a life-long singer and entertainer with over thirty years in the entertainment industry as a trusted, reliable source and talent with twenty-five music albums, multiple lead roles in theatrical productions, movies, commercials. Her original music plays on radio today.
Tickets: Diamond $60; Gold Circle $45; Orchestra/Front Loge $40; Rear Loge $37
Featuring The Platters former lead singer Frank Pizarro, The Coasters, Bobby Wilson, Gary US Bonds, The Flamingos, The Chiclettes, Vinnie Medugno, The Mello Kings, Bill Hailey Jr's Comets, and The Coda Band
Get ready to experience one of the most authentic tribute acts ever to hit the music scene as DAYBREAK “The Music & Passion of Barry Manilow” takes you on a musical journey back to the 70’s. Fans will experience Barry Manilow’s greatest hits the way you remember them.
Barry Manilow is considered by many to be one of the most successful pop artists ever and became an international star with a string of hits combining heart on the sleeve sentiment, with lyrical pop craftsmanship and a slick, highly orchestrated production. Barry Manilow recorded and released 51 Top 40 singles including 13 that reached number one.
Led by veteran musician and accomplished pianist Joe Hite, DAYBREAK brings to life timeless classics like “Mandy”, “Can’t Smile Without You” and the foot stomping rhythm of “Copacabana” just to name a few. You won’t believe your eyes or ears as this 8-piece ensemble presents the Music and Passion of Barry Manilow to perfection while keeping the music alive for generations to enjoy.
Tickets: Gold Circle $54Orchestra $49Rear Orchestra/Front Loge $39Rear Loge $35
Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix is a comedy act like no other. Johnny leads over a dozen dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks as Johnny plays the straight man role in this wonderful show. Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix have appeared in Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus and on David Letterman as well as Performing Arts Centers around the Country! Now this hilarious dog show comes to the Shea Center!
Sit! Stay! Get ready to howl! Johnny Peers and his personality-plus canines are coming to tickle your funny bone! A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny Peers has been working with dogs since he got his first puppy, Freckles, a Beagle mix, from the Humane Society. Since their 1980 debut, the Muttville Comix have appeared on David Letterman, Primetime Live and Circus of the Stars, and at Disneyland, Busch Gardens, the Big Apple Circus, the Royal Hanneford Circus, even The White House! A show for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us, the show stars mostly dogs rescued from shelters or pounds, like Daphne, the world’s only skateboarding Basset Hound; Squeaky, the ladder climbing Fox Terrier; Mr. Pepe, who only responds to commands in Spanish; and Sir Winston, the Pointer mix who only answers to “Sir.” The 2003 Animal Planet Pet Star Winners, the Providence Journal-Bulletin calls the show, “...a truly funny, slapstick dog act.”
An Evening with Roger McGuinn is a love for folk music – the music that took him to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mr. Tambourine Man not only lived history, he made history with his fearless sense of experimentation. As the leader of the influential 60s group, The Byrds, he was on the leading edge, combining the rock beat of the Beatles with the folk sensibilities of Bob Dylan, to create the genre known as “folk-rock.” His groundbreaking work on The Byrds “Sweetheart Of The Rodeo” album, is widely credited with ushering in the genre of country rock. Roger’s solo career began in 1973 and has yielded 13 albums, a Grammy nomination, and extensive touring and performing for enthralled audiences ever since.
Jim McGuinn (he changed his name later to Roger) began playing professionally at the age of 17. He was first recognized around the industry for his banjo and guitar playing ability. He began touring with the Chad Mitchell Trio which eventually led to his touring gig with Bobby Darin. When Bobby decided to take a break from performing live, he invited Jim to join him in New York city to work at the famed Brill Building as a songwriter for TM Music. It was there that he became Judy Collins’ musical director, helped Paul Simon record the demo for “Sound of Silence” and was very active in the recording business as the “go to” guy for 12-string guitar.
It was at this time that Roger became fascinated with “rocked up” folk music made popular by The Beatles.
The folk audience didn’t appreciate the combination of folk songs and a Beatle Beat but there was one musician that did. His name was Gene Clark. It was the beginning of a musical revolution. David Crosby, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke joined the duo and history was about to be made. The Byrds were born!
Their first single was penned by Bob Dylan but when the group heard the demo, they weren’t too impressed. Jim had an idea on how to fix the folkie song. He had been an arranger in NYC, so adding a Bach type intro and a Beatle Beat took the song “Mr Tambourine Man” to the number one slot across the world.
Roger disbanded the BYRDS in 1973 to pursue his dream of being a folk singer like Pete Seeger. He says that the BYRDS were a nice detour on his way to his dream. He recorded five solo albums on Columbia Records. In 1978 he joined with Gene Clark and Chris Hillman for 3 albums on Capitol Records. In 1991 just after the BYRDS were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he recorded on Arista Records his acclaimed “Back From Rio” album with a host of friends, including Tom Petty, Elvis Costello , David Crosby, Chris Hillman and others. It was the last vinyl record in his catalogue.
In 1995 Roger became concerned the traditional folk songs were being lost. No one was recording the songs of over one hundred years ago, so he had an idea. He decided to post an original folk song with a live recording on his web page mcguinn.com each month. He hasn’t missed a month since November 1995. It is carried by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a public service.
Appleseed Records invited Roger to record some of his favorite folk songs with the vanguards of folk music: Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Jean Ritche, Josh White Jr and his guitar teacher Frank Hamilton and his wife Mary. The recording “Treasure From the Folk Den” received a Grammy nomination in 2002. He continues to record and release music on his independent label. When asked if he plans on retiring, he laughs, “What? Give up show-business? It’s called “playing music” and I’ve been playing since I was 14.
Tickets: Gold Circle $59Orchestra/Front Loge $49Rear Loge/Accessible Seating $39
They say a man’s “soul” is his spiritual essence. Life’s twists and turns can lift that soul high into the sky or send it crashing to the ground below. Unfortunately, 2023 started with the latter for Will Downing, following the unexpected and soul-crushing loss of daughter Aron Siobhan Downing in January. As a father, he was devastated…heartbroken. As an artist, he sought solace and comfort through his craft…facing the hurt head-on and exploring multiple themes of love to begin the healing. Persevering through the pain Downing is poised to finish the year with his soul rising…literally! The Prince of Sophisticated Soul is ready to share his 7- song masterclass in triumph over tragedy, Soul Rising!
Celebrating an insane 35 years in the “bizness” and 27 Albums to his credit Will Downing will not be stopped! Flexing on his international appeal, the lead single "What Part of My Love" shot to the top of the UK Soul Chart Top 30 and parked there. Those who no longer listen to new releases as the collective work it was intended to be, should make an exception in this case. Although not a "concept" album, the pieces of Soul Rising fit together beautifully as a single statement and should be enjoyed as such. We all know the about the smoothness, but there's a brand-new kind of...dare I say..."Funkiness", that I think is here to stay!
Make no mistake...Will Downing didn't forget the "smooth" that made the Man the Myth the Legend! Nor did he abandon his world-famous knack for what he affectionately calls "interpretations" of classic hits.
Tickets: Gold Circle $75Orchestra/Front Loge $65Rear Loge $55
The WP Presents! events are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
