Collins Center to throw a party with Capitol Steps
Dinner inspired by White House menus, a political comedy performance and the unveiling of a refurbished chandelier sculpture will be among the highlights of the Sept. 17 gala at the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine.
The Capitol Steps will kick off the 31st season at the CCA with a humorous look at the presidential campaign season. The satirical Senate staffers, who delve into current headlines to create song parodies, began performing in 1981.
They’ve recorded more than 30 albums, performed for five U.S. presidents and have been featured on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” CNN’s “Inside Politics” and NBC’s “Today Show.” The troupe will take the stage at 8 p.m.
“I cannot think of a better way to kick off our 31st season — which happens to fall within high political season — than with a gala performance from the Capitol Steps,” says CCA executive director Danny Williams. “Their quality and appeal are emblematic of what audiences can expect throughout the season.”
The celebratory evening begins at 5 p.m. with a reception in Miller’s Café at CCA, where the renovated “Flame of Inspiration” will be unveiled. The 21-foot-tall, one-ton bronze sculpture was the centerpiece of the lobby when the Maine Center for the Arts — now the Collins Center — opened Sept. 20, 1986.
Castine artist Clark Fitz-Gerald created the sculpture, which was a gift from the Class of 1942. It graced the foyer for more than two decades, including when Yo-Yo Ma and Isaac Stern performed at the 1986 MCA grand opening.
During extensive renovations to the center between 2007 and 2009 — and the Maine Center for the Arts transition to the CCA — the flame was removed and stored. Metal sculptor and artist Stephen Fitz-Gerald, son of Clarke Fitz-Gerald, prepared the flame for its second unveiling.
“By reinstalling the flame, we not only return this signature piece to its intended home, we honor the Class of ’42’s exceptional generosity,” says Williams.
At the gala dinner, Dr. Esther Nettles Rauch will be presented the Wilma Award. Named in honor of Wilma Bradford, the annual award is given to a community member who has made substantial contributions to the center and to the promotion and enhancement of cultural activities in Maine.
Rauch is a special patron of the arts and longtime friend of the Collins Center and participates in audience development activities with the CCA Opera Outreach Committee.
The former professor of English at UMaine and former vice president of Bangor Theological Seminary received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Husson College and the Deborah Morton Award from the University of New England, which is presented to outstanding women who have achieved high distinction in their careers and public service. She and husband Rear Adm. Charles F. (Chick) Rauch Jr. live in Glenburn.
“Esther Rauch is the quintessential opera patron, with a passion that is unparalleled,” says UMaine President Susan J. Hunter. “She was instrumental in founding the Collins Opera Outreach Committee, a group of enthusiasts who share their love of opera by encouraging attendance and helping provide educational sessions for all operas broadcast to the Collins Center for the Arts. We are very grateful for her vision for the arts that enriches our community.”
Gala tickets — which include the reception, dinner made following recipes in White House cookbooks and great seats for the show — are $115–125 per person. Tickets to see the Capitol Steps are $25–$45 per person, plus a $5 facility fee.
To purchase tickets and learn more about the 2016–17 season, contact collinscenterforthearts.com, 207.581.1755. To request a disability accommodation, call 207.581.1755.
Contact: Beth Staples, 207.581.3777