2014-2015 Opening Nights Performing Arts Series

View full Opening Nights Schedule

Opening Nights Performing Arts, formerly known as Seven Days of Opening Nights, is a performing arts series that spotlights Florida State University’s commitment to the arts—music, theatre, dance, visual art, film and creative writing. Now widely embraced as a high point on Tallahassee’s cultural calendar, the festival began in 1999, thanks to FSU President Sandy D’Alemberte, and was an immediate success with both the university and the Tallahassee community.

Ticket Sales Information

Opening Nights Members (depending on membership level): Tuesday, Aug. 12 – Monday, Sept. 15

General Public: Tuesday, Sept. 16 @ 11:00 a.m.

Student RUSH tickets (NEW!): 24 hours BEFORE each event in all sections (RUSH tickets are $10 each. Limited 2 RUSH tickets per student ID. Dependent on event availability)

College of Fine Arts Schedule

View Schedule of ALL Performances
View CFA Facilities & Performance Spaces

November

Saturday, Nov. 1  The Best of Christopher Guest Film Festival

Known for pioneering the “mockumentary,” Christopher Guest is one of the greatest comedy directors of our time. With a dynamic writing team and stellar cast, these three films are his biggest hits on the big screen.

Challenger IMAX Theatre @2:00 p.m.   “A Mighty Wind”                 $10

                                                 @4:00 p.m.   “Best in Show”                    $10

                                                 @7:30 p.m.   “Waiting for Guffman”     $15 (with discussion panel)

or

$30 for All-Access Pass to all three films and free popcorn refill (offer valid until Nov. 1)

Wednesday, Nov. 19  The Hot Sardines 

Inspired by the sound of wartime Paris, The Hot Sardines’ roots run deep into jazz and songs of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. The group has a Parisian front woman, “Miz Elizabeth” Bourgol, alongside a tap dancer, brass lineup and rhythm section led by a stride piano.

Opperman Music Hall @ 7:30 p.m.   $15 or $40

December

Wednesday, Dec. 3 & Thursday, Dec. 4  Song of the Jasmine: Ragamala Dance and Rudresh Mahanthappa

Deeply rooted in South Indian tradition, “Song of the Jasmine” adds to the discussion of American identity through music and dance. With poetry, South Indian classical dance and a hybrid orchestra, Ragamala Dance and Rudresh Mahanthappa take the audience on a spiritual and emotional journey into the Indian psyche.

Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre @ 8:00 p.m.   $35 or $15

February

Wednesday, Feb. 4  Forbidden Broadway: Alive & Kicking!

Written by Gerald Alessandrini and co-directed with Phillip George, this award-winning satire has run off-Broadway for more than 25 years. In 2006, Alessandrini and the show were awarded Tony Honors for Excellence in Theater. With numerous versions, parodies and editions, “Alive and Kicking” features old favorites and new hits.

Turner Auditorium @ 8:00 p.m.   $45, $30 or $15

 Saturday, Feb. 7  Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Also known as The Trocks, this unique ballet parodies the clichés of romantic and classical ballet while enhancing the spirit of dance as an art form. Men dance all the parts and prove that they can dance en pointe. The company has performed on ABC News and for the Prince of Wales on the “Royal Variety Show.”

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall @ 7:30p.m.   $55, $40, $25 or $15

Friday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Mar. 29  WWII Institute Exhibition: “The Human Experience” & Bill Mauldin Editorial Cartoons & WWII Propaganda 

Kurt Piehler’s WWII Institute Exhibition “The Human Experience” will feature photographs, images, artwork and letters that document the war. Special events include the World War II Writer’s Weekend, as well as a reading of the unpublished love letters of the World War II generation by Florida State student-veterans.

Patrick Rowe will showcase his collection of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Bill Mauldin editorial cartoons and WWII propaganda posters and flags. The collection includes historical flags, unusual memorabilia, paintings, drawings and prints.

Museum of Fine Arts @ 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Opening Reception (Feb. 13 only)     Free

                                         @ 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Monday – Friday)                                  Free

                                         @ 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Saturday – Sunday)                              Free

Friday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Mar. 1  Ragtime

This four-time Tony Award-winning musical presented by the School of Theatre at Florida State is set in New York City and follows three American families whose lives are influenced by the social issues of the era. An African-American family, a Jewish immigrant family and a wealthy, suburban family are united through love, loss, courage and hope for the future.

Richard G. Fallon Theatre   $20, $18 or $10

Saturday, Feb. 14  Saturday Matinee of the Arts: For the Love of the Arts

This event has a lineup of visual and performing arts, including live music on the outdoor stage. Dance performances range from ballet to flamenco, while artists showcase paintings, pottery and jewelry. The whole family can partake in a Valentine’s Day-themed event with crafts and treats.

Tallahassee Museum @ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m   Free 

 Sunday, Feb. 15  A Movie You Haven’t Seen

This annual film presentation will be a cinema experience selected from the film festival circuit that is appropriate for all audiences. In an effort to inspire, entertain and educate, a panel discussion with industry professionals will follow the featured film.

Ruby Diamond Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.   $35 or $15

Sunday, Feb. 15 & Monday, Feb. 16  Nellie McKay

McKay, a musical mixture of cabaret and pop, has a melodious charm with socially conscious lyrics. Her music has been featured on hit TV shows like Weeds, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Privileged, Nurse Jackie and Mad Men. McKay, a woman of many talents, is also an actor, writer and Broadway star with a Theatre World Award for her performance as Polly in The Threepenny Opera.

Pebble Hill Plantation  @ 2:00 p.m. (Feb. 15)   $100

The Carriage House at Goodwood Museum @ 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 16)   $35

March

Thursday, Mar. 26  Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey starring Jasmine Guy & The Avery Sharpe Trio

Raisin’ Cane is in celebration and honor of the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance that featured Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Zora Neale Hurston, W.E.B. Du Bois and others as the voice of a new generation of African-Americans. These voices and thoughts come together on stage with award winning actress, singer and dancer Jasmine Guy and the acclaimed Avery Sharpe Trio.

Richard G. Fallon Theatre @ 8:00 p.m. – $50 or $15