Just as it took a toll on cultural and arts spaces around the world, the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered the Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College. The months-long closure was followed by the same slow recovery that entertainment venues and community theatres experienced nationwide.
This spring, however, marks a time of rejuvenation for the TPAC. April and May bring a full slate of both community and professional events chosen for their broad audience appeal.
Dr. Rob Thompson is the new TPAC executive director and an associate professor at the college. He’s been creating and directing productions in both TPAC and the Cadby Theatre for 10 years.
Dr. Thompson developed a performance calendar this year with a wide variety of entertainment to appeal to patrons of all ages and preferences.
“Our goal is to get the community involved. We want to get the Shore engaged in making art with us, sharing art, and celebrating local culture. This year, the big act we’re bringing in—the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra–is relatively local coming from Annapolis even though they perform around the country. And we’re staging our second year of the Eastern Shore Arts Festival highlighting student artists from the region,” said Dr. Thompson.
The Peake Players will present “Emperor of the Moon” in the Cadby Theatre April 5-13 at 7 pm.
In this farce by one of the Western world’s first professional female writers, Dr. Baliardo is convinced there are people living on the moon. Two young lovers seeking to win over the doctor’s daughter and niece devise a plot to masquerade as the Emperor of the Moon and the Prince of Thunderland in this grand comic pageant of absurd proportions.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students.
The Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra will perform at TPAC on Saturday, April 27 at 7 pm. Peacherine’s shows are like a musical time machine back to the fun and excitement of the early 20th century. Performances feature top-tapping, syncopated stylings of the early 1900s – from tongue in cheek vocal numbers to the classics of Scott Joplin and George Gershwin, and even pop favorites by The Beatles and Queen. Watch classic silent films featuring Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Harold Lloyd, underscored by a 12- person orchestra with live music and sound effects.
Tickets are $25 for general admission and $15 for students. Concessions will be available from Ten Eyck and Chesapeake College.
The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra returns to TPAC on Sunday, May 5 at 3 pm with a celebration of American composers. The orchestra – featuring pianist Jeffrey Biegel – will perform “Chokfi” by Jerod Tate, “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland, and “Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue” by Pater Boyer. Tickets are $55 and available at https://midatlanticsymphony.org/tickets
“We’re also developing original, high-quality entertainment with local performers through our cabaret, murder mystery, and Halloween shows. These are not amateur events but professionally developed and curated. The Chesapeake Bay has a unique flavor that’s worthy of the spotlight and we intend to make that happen,” Dr. Thompson said.
On Thursday, April 11, the Phenomenal Cabaret will feature comedy and music at 7 pm. Donations are appreciated and refreshments will be available for purchase.
TPAC will host the Eastern Shore Arts Festival on Saturday, April 13 from 10 am to 8 pm. This free festival celebrates visual and performing arts for all ages.
Enjoy dinner and a Chesapeake Bay-themed murder mystery when TPAC presents “Trained to Kill” on Thursday, May 16 at both 6 pm and 7:30 pm. The $25 tickets includes the show and a pasta dinner.
To learn more about the events at TPAC or to purchase tickets, please visit www.chesapeake.edu/tpac-live