SPAC Announces 2023 Spring Season in the Spa Little Theatre

Saratoga Performing Arts Center(SPAC) announced its 2023 spring season lineup in the Spa Little Theatre. The ever first spring season offerings featuring live theatre, jazz, folk, global and classical music, including cooperations with Caffe Lena.

Spa Little Theatre
photo by Zach Culver

Highlighting the series are the SPAC debuts of Aquila Theatre for two productions of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Grammy-nominated cappella group Kings Return, in addition to the return of global music ensemble Banda Magda. Caffe Lena @ SPAC is also returned with performances of The Steel Wheels and The Brubeck Brothers Quartet in Spa Little Theatre. The previously announced year-round residency by Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will also continue with a finale performance by Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is located in Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. It is a charitable organization and one of America’s most prestigious summer festivals. Setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs, SPAC draws vacation crowds and arts connoisseurs for immersive experiences of performances by resident companies. SPAC also hosts the annual Saratoga Wine and Food.

“Following the success of our completely sold out holiday season, we are excited to once again open the doors of the Spa Little Theatre to our community this spring. From world-class theatre to global music to folk and jazz in partnership with Caffe Lena, and our new year-round residency with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, there is literally a program for everyone.”  

Elizabeth Sobol

Spring programming at the Spa Little Theatre:

Aquila Theatre in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – 2PM & 7 PM Saturday, March 11

From Left: Katie Housley, Leda Douglas, Jame Counihan, James Lavender, Elizabeth Belfast, Conner Keef “PRIDE AND PREJUDICE”; Desiree Sanchez, Director & Executive Artistic Director, Aquila Theater; Dress Rehearsal photographed: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022; Glendora, California Photograph © 2022 Richard Termine PHOTO CREDIT– Richard Termine

Published in 1813, Jane Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time. Besides the Bennet sisters’ navigations toward love and marriage, Austen’s humorous criticize of the English class system, and the thoughts and feelings of her women characters are worthy to enjoy. Aquila Theatre will bring this classic thrillingly to life with its signature passion, energy, and visual flair for its SPAC debut.

Tickets cost $33-$68. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Voices of the Americas7 PM Saturday, March 18

Experience the wide range of ideas, sounds, and cultures that have inspired composers from the Americas in the 20th century. The program opens and closes with vibrant, beloved classics by Copland and Gershwin brought about by their travels to Latin America.

Tickets cost $45-$65 and are available now at spac.org.

Kings Return7 PM Friday, March 31

The Grammy-nominated Kings Return is a vocal band of brothers — Gabe Kunda, Vaughn Faison, J.E. McKissic & Jamall Williams. Fusing gospel, Jazz, R&B/Soul, and classical music, the a capella group performs songs from the Bee Gees “How Deep is Your Love” to “Ave Maria” to Leon Bridges “River” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Based in Dallas, Texas, Kings Return’s popularity grew when they began posting videos to social media from the stairwell where they rehearse. The group has now amassed almost 10 million views across all platforms.

Tickets cost $33 and are all general admission. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.  

Caffe Lena @ SPAC: The Steel Wheels – 7 PM Sunday, April 2

A Virginia-based Americana band with a strong bluegrass underpinning, The Steel Wheels explore deeply rooted yet fresh folk rock sounds. 

Tickets cost $35.40-$44 and are available at spac.orgcaffelena.org or directly HERE.

Caffe Lena @ SPAC: The Brubeck Brothers Quartet – 7 PM Sunday, April 23

With Dan and Chris Brubeck as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb, complete this dynamic quartet. Although the Quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music. 

Tickets cost $41.85- $53.68 and are available at spac.orgcaffelena.org or directly HERE.

Banda Magda – 7 PM Thursday, May 4

Following their SPAC on Stage debut in 2019, Banda Magda will return to Saratoga with all new music and their global sounds including samba, French chanson, Greek folk tunes, Colombian cumbia, and Afro-Peruvian lando. Their songs capture the best of mid-century pop ballads and cinematic arranging, drawing on the band’s global background and unchained musicality.

Tickets cost $33 and are all general admission. They will be available to purchase on Tuesday, January 24 at 10 a.m. for members, tiered by level, and Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. for the general public.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

An Evening with David, Wu Han & Arnaud – 7 PM Saturday, May 13

Artistic Directors Wu Han and David Finckel and violinist Arnaud Sussman perform Beethoven and Dvořák to close the CMS spring season.

Tickets cost $45-$65 and are available now at spac.org.

The announcement follows SPAC’s fall and holiday concert series in the Spa Little Theatre and is part of SPAC’s mission to present year-round programming that extends beyond the traditional summer months. Visit spac.org for additional details.

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