By Delainey Muscato
St. Bonaventure University
The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is open year-round. However, they have some events coming up within the next few months that Director of Marketing and Communications, Len Barry, is very excited about.
The first event Barry spoke about was the iLuminate dancers’ performance. Dancers clad in glow-in-the-dark suits will be performing routines and illusions on a completely darkened stage. This is such a unique event for the center and something audiences will never forget experiencing. The dancers have been featured on many popular shows like America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America, and more! The center is so excited to welcome them in for a night of dance and creativity. Barry said, “It’s sort of like a time capsule of different musical genres on the stage”. The dancers will be performing different routines from hip hop, pop, to blues, and more. There will be something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are on sale now on the Reg Lenna website for Friday, November 3rd from 7:30-8:45pm.
reglenna.com/events. All shows begin at 7:30pm.
After the iLuminate performance, the center will be hosting the Wizards of Winter. Yet another very exciting show that will also raise some Christmas spirit. This event will be held on Friday, December 8th from 7:30-9:20pm. The Wizards of Winter will be performing an intense classic rock show, similar to that of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. They even have previous members of rock groups like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Blue Oyster Cult, Rainbow, and more. At the center, they will be performing their original holiday rock opera entitled “A Christmas Dream”. Tickets are on sale now at the Reg Lenna website.
Barry spoke of how excited the center is for all their holiday events, including the Wizards. He said the center started off hosting more local shows for the holidays and, in the past few years, they have branched out into touring acts for the holiday season. They hope to continue this new tradition of hosting original acts from outside the community. Barry also shared that the majority of the acts they host bring their own lights and special effects equipment controlled by experts to create the best performance possible.
Next up for touring acts at the center is Cirque Mechanics. On January 26th, from 7:30-9pm, a returning talent will be performing a new show at the center. Barry shared that Cirque Mechanics has performed at the center a handful of times in the past and each time, they present a new show centered around a different piece of technology. “They’re a circus but they also tell a story, and it is different every time” Barry said. This year, Cirque Mechanics will be sharing Zephyr, the story of a man and a windmill. The main character, Nigel, has a complicated relationship with the wind and the circus will demonstrate that relationship through acrobatics, dance, balancing acts, and more. “It’s really nice to have a family-oriented show especially in January. That’s when the weather gets bad around here. It’s something to break the cabin fever” Barry said of Cirque Mechanics and its placement as the first big event for the center in 2024. Tickets for Cirque Mechanics: Zephyr are available online now.
The final event Barry spoke about was the Animaniacs in Concert on March 2nd. Barry said, “It’s sort of a hybrid of a clip show and a concert which is unique for us”. The center has never put on a show quite like this one before and they are excited to see how it plays out. Barry shared tickets have been selling well so far and they have heard great feedback. “It’s kind of like pulling back the curtain because you don’t get to see the voice talents too much. We’re kind of going for the nostalgia of the millennials and Gen X-er’s for this show” he said. Barry showed his gratitude for the community that attends shows at the center and how they contribute to the success of the center. Barry said, “Our audience in Jamestown and those who come from the outlying suburbs and villages embrace those artists who break through the wall and engage with the audience as one of their own”. This contributes to the performers’ enjoyment of performing at the center and makes them more likely to come back because they love the place and people.