October ushers in a broad spectrum of programs and works with something for everyone: gravity-defying maneuvers of THE PEKING ACROBATS, the soulful renderings of vocalist MACY KATE, the classical preeminence of the EMERSON STRING QUARTET, exuberant comedy from VIC DIBITTETO, and the charisma of cabaret legend MICHAEL FEINSTEIN.
Read on to find out about each show (tickets on sale now).
OCTOBER 7: THE PEKING ACROBATS bound onto the Main Stage on October 7, pushing the limits of human ability, flexibility, and control.
"It's like watching 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' LIVE, without camera tricks creating special effects. All 26 members of this troupe are amazing athletes with grace and charisma in addition to their razor-sharp precision-everything entertainment should be!" ~ Dance Insider
"Amazing! Zounds! The vocabulary of exclamation seeks expression as the medium of awed and surprised reaction to the wondrous feats of THE PEKING ACROBATS! In their graceful efforts, these brightly costumed tumblers, acrobats, cyclists, jugglers, and clever clowns provide 90 minutes of family fun that infuses springtime in New York with an extra measure of joy." ~ The New York Times
The famed group, rooted in Chinese history and folk art, combines high-tech special effects with awe-inspiring acrobatic feats. Trick-cycling, tumbling, juggling, and gymnastics come together into one jaw-dropping show.
OCTOBER 14: MACY KATE makes her Staller Center debut on the Recital Hall stage on October 14. Macy Kate’s soulful, sweet, and smoky voice launched her to fame at 16, when she appeared on ABC’s Rising Star. Her sultry, buttery sound packs so much power that Flo Rida signed her to IMG Records and brought her on his worldwide G.D.F.R. tour, ending in Wembley Stadium for the Summertime Ball.
With millions of streams on Spotify, Kate’s second record deal with famed Empire Records led to the development of her first E.P., Cry for Help. The title track, which has racked up over 6 million streams on Spotify and over a million views on YouTube, has led to a flurry of viral activity on TikTok.
A true, bonafide star in the making, Kate’s powerhouse voice and her confessional, self-effacing lyrics make for the perfect combination of down-to-earth and out-of-this-stratosphere.
OCTOBER 18: THE EMERSON STRING QUARTET makes its 63rd appearance at Staller Center as part of the group's valedictory 47th season. This program of Emerson String Quartet's final season opens with Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 1 in E-flat major, Op. 12, followed by Alban Berg's pathbreaking Quartet, Op. 3 (1900). Dvořák’s Quartet No. 14 in A-flat major, Op. 105, written during the composer's three-year tenure in America and completed after returning to his Czech homeland, concludes the program. This unmissable performance is a rare occasion to hear one of the world's finest string quartets in their farewell season.
OCTOBER 22: The "Bread and Milk" man, VIC DIBITTETO, takes over the Staller Main Stage on October 22 with his working-class brand of comedy and irreverent musings on the world around him. DiBitteto's signature stand-up makes an evening with him feel like a night out with your favorite cousin. His "Bread and Milk" and "Who Wants Coffee?" routines have garnered millions of online followers. He is a regular cast member of Amazon Prime's Gravesend, and his latest album, Ticked Off Vic, plays on SiriusXM comedy channels. Tune into LI News Radio on October 3 at 830am to hear his pre-show interview.
“I want their face to hurt, I want their stomachs to hurt, I want them to tell people you have never seen a comedian give it 101 percent,” he said. “It’s an hour of nonstop energy. I’m screaming. I’m spitting, the sweat is flying. If you want to smile, go see Jerry Seinfeld; if you want belly laughs, come see me.” Vic said in an interview with Greater Long Island about his upcoming Staller Center show.
OCTOBER 29: Cabaret legend MICHAEL FEINSTEIN returns to the Staller Center on October 29 with Get Happy, a spirited celebration of Judy Garland on her 100th birthday. Feinstein celebrates the unparalleled star in an evening of tributes, surprises, and tender sentiment. With his effervescent personality and special musical gift, Feinstein traces a journey through Garland's storied life and times, highlighted by anecdotes from his close friend, Liza Minnelli, and others. The evening will feature recently discovered, unknown arrangements from Garland's repertoire, peeling back the curtain to reveal a rare perspective on the enduring Garland mystique.
Michael Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades, bringing the music of the Great American songbook to the world. From recordings that have earned him five Grammy Award nominations to his Emmy-nominated PBS-TV specials, his acclaimed NPR series, and concerts spanning the globe – in addition to his appearances at iconic venues such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and Sydney Opera House – his work as an educator and archivist define Feinstein as one of the most important musical forces of our time.
NEW AT STALLER: The Staller Center offers a cash bar for select performances this October. Purchase refreshments, wine, seltzer, and snacks before the show or during intermission. Sign up for their email list here to find out which shows will offer a cash bar.