Photo provided by Michael Matthew Ferrell (Alive and Kickin’)
Warning: This is not your grandmother’s choir.
Alive and Kickin, the Twin Cities rockin’ senior citizen ensemble and the historic NorShor Theatre is excited to announce Flashback, a high-energy music-theatre experience that will captivate, entertain, and send you off inspired! Playing November 3, 2018, and led by multi-IVEY Award-winning Artistic Director, Michael Matthew Ferrell, Flashback features the talents of thirty-four senior rockstars.
Alive and Kickin brings together an array of personal stories centered around the power of triggered memories along with musical tributes to the many unforgettable artists that left us too soon.
Co-created and under the musical direction of Jason Hansen, the ensemble is backed by Twin Cities R&R musicians playing music from many of the ‘greats’ who passed before their time, such as Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, Hank Williams, Kurt Cobain, Patsy Cline and Amy Winehouse.
Flashback promises a rock concert like you’ve never seen before!
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About Alive and Kickin
Founded in 2010, Alive and Kickin is a rock ensemble featuring the talents of members aged 65-93 “years young”. The group has been performing to sold-out crowds at the Bloomington Center for the Arts for the last four years and tours around the state to myriad venues. “It’s a rollercoaster ride,” says Artistic Director Michael Matthew Ferrell. “We have audience members moved to tears during one song, and then at the next turn we are all dancing in the aisles!” Alive and Kickin is Minneapolis-based and is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization.
The production process is not for the faint of heart. Music rehearsals are 4 hours per week, 48 weeks per year and members are required to learn and memorize more than 20 songs six months prior to show opening.
Each member also works for weeks writing a personal story that relates to the theme of the upcoming show. “The seniors’ work is shocking, moving and raw…all the elements of exceptional live theatre.”, said Hansen, “and the explosive passion of our ensemble, Flashback is truly not to be missed!”
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About Michael Matthew Ferrell
Ferrell has spent the last several decades of his career working with the brightest and the best of the Twin Cities and Duluth theatre scenes as a Director and Choreographer, and is the recipient of multiple IVEY Awards. Ferrell is an AARP 50-Over-50 Disruptor Award Winner (2016).
“The positive social change that has taken place in our country is because of this generation. Women’s rights, civil rights, gay rights…the past fifty years alone is astounding and personally moving to me. This is a way for us to honor and celebrate all seniors and their progress.” He says. “It is the most important thing I have done in my career.”
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About Jason Hansen
Jason Hansen is a prodigious Twin Cities Music Director who has worked with the Guthrie Theater, Theatre Latte Da, and Children’s Theatre Company, among many others.
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Get Your Tickets For This Saturday (11/3)!
- When: Saturday, November 3, 2018
- Time: 2:00pm
- Where: NorShor Theatre (211 E. Superior St., Duluth MN 55802)
- Tickets: Standard – $40 // Senior (63+) – $38
- Purchase: www.norshortheatre.com // 218.733.7555 // In-person at the NorShor Box Office
- Presenting Sponsors: The Medtronic Foundation // Hearing Wellness Center // Blackwoods Group