The Scranton Cultural Center Bringing Ancient Aliens to the Masonic Temple Listing Information: WHAT: Ancient Aliens LIVETM: Project Earth WHEN: May 1 at 7:30 PM | Doors at 7:00 PM WHERE: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Weinberg Theatre;420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA 18503 PRICES: $52.70 – $74.90. VIP Upgrade Package available. *Panelist Headshots available at: https://aenetworks.box.com/s/plrsc5ndjjt3zm80o1ebhvfacm78ujp0 The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth, a live, in-person event that will explore questions as old as the planet itself: Have extraterrestrials visited Earth? Are they here now, and when will they reveal themselves? The ninety-minute live experience taking place on May 1 celebrates the long-running program Ancient Aliens on The HISTORYâ Channel and features Ancient Astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, investigative mythologist William Henry, aerospace engineer, UK government UFO investigator Nick Pope, and real-life Indiana Jones, David Childress, as they discuss thought-provoking extraterrestrial theories on fan-favorite topics from Ancient Egypt to the moon, and paves for us the long road to Disclosure. Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth is an experiential extension of Ancient Aliens that explores the theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth will bring the same curiosity and in-depth examination to the questions, speculations, provocative controversies, first-hand accounts, and grounded theories surrounding this age-old debate. In addition to engaging panel discussions and an audience Q&A, the event will also offer attendees the opportunity to purchase VIP upgrade photo opportunity with the stars, and exclusive Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth merchandise. Tickets for Ancient Aliens LIVE: Project Earth tour go on sale December 1 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Scranton Cultural Center Announces New Security Protocols The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple announces new and enhanced security protocols. These are set to go into effect beginning at next weekend’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” performances (October 27 – 29), presented by Broadway in Scranton. The largest change is a clear bag policy. Under this new policy, only wristlets or wallets up to 4” x 6” x 1” or clear bags up to 12” x 12” x 6” will be allowed into the facility. All other purses, bags and backpacks will be prohibited. “The safety and security of our patrons is of our highest concern,” said SCC Executive Director, Deborah Moran Peterson. “We understand that this new policy will be an adjustment for those visiting our venue, however it is quickly becoming the industry standard.” Additional security measures include wanding and bag checks of all patrons by a security team, as well as the prohibition of items such as smoking materials (lighters, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, matches or other flammable items, e-cigarettes and vaping materials), pocket knives, weapons, or any other threatening objects, bottles, cans, glass containers and outside food or drink of any kind, including water bottles. Should patrons bring any of these items, they will be asked to return them to their vehicles. “We fully support the enhanced security measures being taken by the Scranton Cultural Center to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our Broadway patrons.” said Broadway Theatre League Executive Director Frank Blasi. Patrons are reminded to allow extra time for security screenings to ensure they make it to their seats at the start of the show. It is recommended to arrive at the venue 30-45 minutes prior to show time, allowing an additional 10-15 minutes for parking. Additionally, there is no re-entry into the Center for patrons once they have entered and gone through security inspection. Patrons who exit the building will not be readmitted. For a full breakdown of the Scranton Cultural Center’s 2023-2024 Security Protocols, visit SCCMT.org/security.
The Scranton Cultural Center Announces A Prairie Home Companion’s 50th Anniversary Tour Listing Information: WHAT: “A Prairie Home Companion” 50th Anniversary Tour WHEN: May 24 at 8:00 PM | Doors at 7:30 PM WHERE: Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre;420 N. Washington Avenue – Scranton, PA 18503 PRICES: TicketsStarting at $64.80 October 10, 2023 – Almost 50 years ago — on July 6, 1974 — Garrison Keillor hosted the first broadcast of “A Prairie Home Companion,” and the perennially popular weekly radio show remained on the air until July of 2016, with its music, comedy sketches, and accounts of life in tiny Lake Wobegon (where the women are strong, the men are good-looking, and the children are all above average). Since the show ended, the author and humorist has continued to take the stage at venues nationwide — much to the delight of legions of fans. In the coming months, Keillor takes A Prairie Home Companion’s 50th Anniversary Tour across the U.S., leading up to the half-century milestone in the summer of 2024. The tour will make a stop at the Scranton Cultural Center on May 24 at 8:00 PM in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. The tour had a highly successful kickoff this past July in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Upcoming stops include Nashville, Galveston, a sold-out performance at New York City’s Town Hall, and more — each show packed with stories, music, the one-of-a-kind audience sing-along intermission, Keillor’s musings on the topic of CHEERFULNESS, and the fan-favorite News from Lake Wobegon, Joining Garrison are charming singer-actor Christine DiGiallonardo, dazzling vocalist Heather Masse, the ever-popular Royal Academy of Actors (Tim Russell, Sue Scott, and sound-effects wizard Fred Newman), music director/keyboardist Richard Dworsky, and others to be announced. Born in 1942 in Anoka, Minnesota, Garrison Keillor developed a love of writing in childhood. “I started out with a No. 2 pencil and pads of paper, then acquired an Underwood manual typewriter with a faint F and a misshapen O,” he says. Five years after getting a job in public radio “doing the 6 a.m. shift Monday to Friday, because nobody else wanted to get up so early,” he wrote a piece for “The New Yorker”about the Grand Ole Opry and got the idea to launch “A Prairie Home Companion.” These days, his in-person humor-filled shows are a treat for folks young and not-so-young. He has written dozens of books —including novels, a book of sonnets, a collection of limericks, a memoir, a political homily, and most recently, Cheerfulness. His biweekly online column can be found on Substack. Tickets start at $64.80. Doors will open at 7:30 PM and a cash bar and concessions will be available. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning October 20 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2023-2024 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Dominick, Esq. and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Access NEPA, Allied Services, Audacy, Citizens’ Voice, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune and Times Shamrock Communications.
Scranton Cultural Center Receives PA Historic and Museum Commission Grant The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is pleased to announce the completion of a long-range study that will guide its future efforts in the ongoing preservation, restoration, and modernization of the historic structure. The study was funded through the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission and the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office. The completed report provides a comprehensive look at all of the building systems and spaces and identifies work remaining to be done. The study ranges from mechanical systems such as ventilation and plumbing to illumination and preservation of doors and historic paintwork. Taking slightly over a year to complete, the report was prepared by Highland Associates, an architectural and engineering firm located in Clarks Summit, Pa. The firm has over thirty years of experience in doing detailed analysis of structures and in designing solutions to achieve the multi-faceted goals of the SCC. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by renowned architect Raymond Hood, the 180,000+ square foot structure has been in constant operation since opening in 1930. The building encompasses two theaters, a grand ballroom with balcony, several masonic lodge rooms, meeting spaces, a library and a youth theater space, as well a offices and support spaces. At one time, the facility housed an eight-lane bowling alley and a billiard room – both now converted for alternative uses. “We were delighted to have been chosen by PHMC as a grant recipient. This study is absolutely critical to our ability to plan the next steps in the restoration program and will serve as guidance for our future development and capital campaigns,” Deborah Moran Peterson, executive Director of the SCC said. “As a non-profit organization, this type of support is critical in our ongoing efforts to restore and improve our building so that we can continue to serve a broad and diverse population as a center for cultural and entertainment activities.” PHMC / PA SHPO provided $25,000 in a matching grant with the matching balance being provided by a private donor. Previous restoration and modernization work totals over $17,000.000 dollars, starting in 1987 with the formation of the Scranton Cultural Center and the award of $8,000.000 from the state of Pennsylvania under then Governor Robert Casey. A state funded exterior restoration project is currently being developed and is anticipated to begin in late spring of 2024. Future projects will include restoration of the Weinberg theater interior and modernization of stage mechanical, audio and lighting systems, addition of air conditioning to the second, third and fourth floor spaces, upgrades to the facility computer, phone and security systems, modernization of restrooms and dressing rooms, modernization of the facility HVAC control systems, and energy efficiency improvements, among others.
Scranton Cultural Center Postpones Production Scranton Cultural Center and the production of “Late Nite Catechism,” originally scheduled for October 15, has been postponed to February 4 at 3:00 PM in Shopland Hall. “Late Nite Catechism” is presented by Entertainment Events, Inc. All tickets for tonight’s performance will be honored at the new date. Patrons can contact their original point of purchase or the SCC’s Fidelity Bank Box Office at (570) 344-1111 with any questions.
Scranton Cultural Center Announces Justin Willman on November 30 The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will present the Justin Willman Magic for Humans In Person Tour on November 30 at 7:30 PM in its Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. Willman is a magician and a comedian known for his hit Netflix series “Magic for Humans.” Justin Willman will melt patrons’ brains while making them laugh. While he is best known as the star and creator of “Magic For Humans,” he is also well-known for his many television appearances on “The Tonight Show,” “The Today Show,” “Ellen,” “Conan” and more. Willman also served as a host for “Baking Impossible,” “Cupcake Wars” and “Win, Lose or Draw.” His live show is simultaneously mind-blowing and hilarious, and will likely keep audiences up at night wondering how any of it was possible. To learn more, visit JustinWillman.com. Tickets range from $45.15 – $58.30 with a VIP Package available. Prices are subject to change. Doors will open at 7:00 PM and a cash bar and concessions will be available. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning September 8 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
Scranton Cultural Center to Host Wheel of Fortune LIVE! “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!,” a theatrical experience, will be coming to the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 14 at 7:30 PM. The live stage show, produced by Right Angle Entertainment in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television and UTA, is the one-and-only way fans can experience America’s Game® in person outside of Sony Pictures Studios. Tickets run from $46.75 – $90.00 with VIP Experience packages available for an additional fee. A venue presale will take place for Scranton Cultural Center email subscribers from May 17 at 10:00 AM through May 18 at 11:59 PM. Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketmaster or in-person and by phone through the SCC’s Fidelity Bank Box Office. One of the greatest game shows of all time has been adapted into a stage show to give more fans access and more chances to win at “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!” Guests are randomly selected to go on stage and feel like they stepped into the game show itself. The live stage show is the only way you can have the chance to spin a full-sized replica of the iconic Wheel. At Wheel of Fortune LIVE!, contestants are selected from the audience to go on stage for the chance to call consonants, buy vowels, and maybe even solve puzzles to win fantastic prizes, including trips to destinations like Paris and Hawaii or up to $10,000 in cash. Everyone gets in on the fun and a chance to win at Wheel of Fortune LIVE! because there are audience games too! VIP Packages will also available, and they give fans early access, premiere seats, pre-show lounge access and photo opportunities to spin the wheel. For tickets and more information, visit www.WheelofFortuneLive.com. Pat and Vanna will not be on tour, and the hosts for this engagement will be announced later date. “Wheel of Fortune Live!” is a live touring production and is not for broadcast.
Scranton Cultural Center Free Concert June 26 Enjoy a concert given by the United States Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on June 26 at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., it is one of six musical ensembles that form The U.S. Air Force Band. Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces dance band, the current band consists of 18 active-duty musicians, including one vocalist. Through the years, the Airmen of Note has presented its own brand of big band jazz as well as more contemporary forms of jazz to audiences via annual tours across the United States, deployments around the world, and local performances throughout metropolitan Washington D.C. The United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band concert is sponsored by LT Verrastro and supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts. The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tickets are free to the public and are required for admission. They can be acquired at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. Convenience charges may apply. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2022-2023 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Dominick, Esq. and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Access NEPA, Allied Services, Audacy, Citizens’ Voice, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune and Times Shamrock Communications. ABOUT THE USAF BAND’S AIRMEN OF NOTE: The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. Stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., it is one of six musical ensembles that form The U.S. Air Force Band. Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces dance band, the current band consists of 18 active-duty musicians, including one vocalist. Through the years, the Airmen of Note has presented its own brand of big band jazz as well as more contemporary forms of jazz to audiences via annual tours across the United States, deployments around the world, and local performances throughout metropolitan Washington D.C. Their commitment to musical excellence has earned the foremost jazz artists’ respect worldwide, leading to many collaborative performances and recordings with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, and Doc Severinsen. In 1990, the Airmen of Note established the Jazz Heritage Series, featuring the “Note” in concert with legendary icons of jazz. The series broadcasts to millions over National Public Radio, independent jazz radio stations, satellite radio services, and the internet. Additionally, the “Note” produces and delivers recorded music to millions of fans worldwide through hundreds of media outlets. One of the group’s holiday recordings, “Cool Yule,” reached #2 on the JazzWeek jazz chart. As part of The U.S. Air Force Band, the Airmen of Note’s mission is to HONOR those who have served, INSPIRE American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and CONNECT with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States. The excellence demonstrated by the Airmen of Note reflects the excellence displayed by all Airmen stationed worldwide, whose selfless service and sacrifices ensure the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States of America.. www.music.af.mil/USAFBand/Ensembles/Airmen-of-Note/
The Scranton Cultural Center to Host the Ultimate Elvis Experience The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple and JZ Tours will present “The Ultimate Elvis Experience starring Shawn Klush” on April 14 at 8:00 PM in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. The popular tribute artist, who hails from Pittston, last appeared at the SCC in 2015 to a nearly sold-out crowd. Born and raised in the small coal-mining town of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Shawn’s love for music led him to begin imitating his musical idol, Elvis Presley. He performed in the famous Poconos region followed by a tour of Canada where he entered and won the $5,000.00 prize in the “Worldwide Elvis Competition” in Montreal. This caught the attention of the award winning Las Vegas show, “Legends in Concert” where for many years he starred as ‘Elvis’ in their Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Branson and Atlantic City show rooms. Each January he stars in the “Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour”, an extravaganza with Elvis’ own musicians, singers, and friends, in major venues in multiple cities. Shawn has released 5 CDs. He has performed with Elvis’ closest friends, musicians and singers such as JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, The Jordanaires, The Imperials, DJ Fontana, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Scheff, The Sweet Inspirations, Joe Guercio, Jerry Schilling and Joe Esposito. He portrayed Elvis in the hit TV miniseries “Shake, Rattle and Roll” which aired on CBS and VH1 and HBO’s Vinyl. Shawn was a featured performer on the Late Show with David Letterman performing to over 5 million viewers with the entire CBS Orchestra on Network Television and portrayed Elvis in HBO’s Vinyl. produced by Martin Scorsese and Mic Jagger. Tickets start at $40.75 (includes fees) with VIP Ticket Packages also available. They are available for purchase at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org. The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2022-2023 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Jerry Notarianni, Debi Dominick, Esq. and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Access NEPA, Allied Services, Audacy, Citizens’ Voice, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune and Times Shamrock Communications.
The Scranton Cultural Center to show Bluey Big Play The Stage Show WACKADOO! EMMY® AWARD-WINNING PHENOMENONBLUEY BRINGS FIRST LIVE STAGE SHOW TO THESCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER AT THE MASONIC TEMPLETWO PERFORMANCES ONLY * APRIL 11 & 12, 2023 Grab the sticky geckos, break out the duck cakes, and alert the grannies! It’s time to meet the much-loved Heeler family, who will be coming to the Scranton Cultural Center on April 11 & 12 at 6PM with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show! The Emmy® Award-winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+, will be “taking the show on the road” to the Scranton Cultural Center with 2 shows: Tuesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12. Tickets go on sale Monday, January 23 at 10AM and will be available at the Scranton Cultural Center box office and online at Ticketmaster.com. BLUEY is presented at the Scranton Cultural Center by NAC Entertainment and Albert Nocciolino. Fans of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as they’ve never seen them before, as the Heelers embark on their very first live theater show in the U.S. featuring puppetry, live actors, and iconic sets. Based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show also contains new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. “After seeing the amazing reaction the show received during its Australia run, we are delighted to bring this standout live theater show to U.S. audiences,” said director Rosemary Myers of Windmill Theatre Co. “We know how much love there is out there for Bluey and are thrilled and honored to translate these brilliant characters into the three-dimensional world and to share this special experience with fans throughout America.” Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co. The stage show enjoyed much success in the home market of Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform 447 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House. Contact: Ali Basalyga ali@nacentertainment.com570.702.1514
