MPAC Arts in the Community Presents: Theatre of Light 2023
The universal symbol of light will illuminate the rich cultural diversity of our community when Mayo Performing Arts Center transforms the Vail Mansion Plaza into our fourth annual “Theatre of Light.” A curtain of stars and lights will welcome the community onto the Vail Plaza for this free evening of celebration. Specially lit magical winged dancers will perform while enchanted creatures and puppets roam about in dazzling colors. There will be music, dance, ice carving and craft making from a variety of community artists.
The symbol of light is significant in cultures from around the world. Light is a symbol of hope, peace, unity, truth, joy, happiness and more.
The universal symbol of light will illuminate the rich cultural diversity of our community when Mayo Performing Arts Center transforms the Vail Mansion Plaza into a “Theatre of Light” on Sunday, November 12 at 5 pm.
“Theatre of Light is an opportunity to bring together our diverse community and to inspire, engage and connect people from all backgrounds through the magic of the arts,” said Allison Larena, President & CEO, MPAC.
The fourth annual Theatre of Light event has been expanded from previous years. A curtain of stars and lights will welcome the community onto the Vail Plaza. Specially lit magical winged dancers will perform while enchanted creatures and puppets roam about in dazzling colors. There will be music, dance, ice carving and craft making. Oh, and did we mention the elephant? Keep a lookout for Ellie the Elephant.
This year’s event will include participation and/or performances from the following community artists:
Lighting by BML Blackbird
Live Henna Painting by Mehndikalogie
Live Ice carving by Okamoto Studio
MPAC Performing Arts Company
Unity Steppers – Morristown Neighborhood House
LED Winged Dancers with LED juggler via Fluxion Entertainment
DJ Arjun – Bollywood- Hip Hop, World Music and more
During Theatre of Light, stop by the “Visit the Star” selfie station and the Wishing on a Star table where you can write your individual wishes that will become an integral part of the evening’s light display! Make your own light crown at the crafts area. You can also visit the Morristown/Morris Twp. Library between now and November 12 and write your thoughts at the Theatre of Light display in the library. In addition, refreshments will be available for purchase.
Participating community partners include: Morristown/ Morris Twp. Library, Cornerstone Adult Day Center, Neighborhood House, Unity Steppers, Mayo Performing Arts Center Performing Arts Company, students of MPAC’s Miracle Project classes, Fusion Academy, Morristown Beard School, St, Peter’s Episcopal Church, Vail Condo Association, Town of Morristown and the Morristown Partnership
“Theatre of Light is truly a celebration of community,” added Kadie Dempsey, MPAC’s Community Engagement Director and Principle, Core Creative Placemaking. “We believe that by engaging community in the process, the event takes on a deeper and more meaningful experience for participants and the community.”
The event will be held rain, or shine. Rain site will be St. Peter’s Parish Hall.
MPAC’s Theatre of Light is being coordinated by CORE Creative Placemaking. CORE’s principles, Morristown residents Kadie Dempsey and Dan Fenelon, create experiences that Inspire, engage and connect.
MPAC Arts in the Community Presents: Theatre of Light 2023
The universal symbol of light will illuminate the rich cultural diversity of our community when Mayo Performing Arts Center transforms the Vail Mansion Plaza into our fourth annual “Theatre of Light.” A curtain of stars and lights will welcome the community onto the Vail Plaza for this free evening of celebration. Specially lit magical winged dancers will perform while enchanted creatures and puppets roam about in dazzling colors. There will be music, dance, ice carving and craft making from a variety of community artists.
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Music from DJ Arjun (Bollywood, hip hop, world music and more)
Live ice carving by Okamoto Studio
Live henna painting on Ellie the Elephant by Mehndikalogie
6:00pm
Performance by the Unity Steppers – Morristown Neighborhood House
6:30pm
Performance by the MPAC Performing Arts Company
7:00pm
Encore performance by the Unity Steppers
7:05pm
Dance party with DJ Arjun
Throughout the evening:
- Light displays by BML Blackbird
- LED winged dancers and LED juggler by Fluxion Entertainment
- Creature display by artist Bob Richardson
- Floating Lotus reflecting pool to honor our community
- Visit the Star selfie station
- Make your own light crown craftmaking
- Wish Upon a Ribbon table: write down your individual wishes and become an integral part of the evening’s art display!
You can also visit the Morristown/Morris Twp. Library between now and Sunday to share your wishes in advance at the Theatre of Light display.
Theatre of Light will be held rain or shine. The rain site will be St. Peter’s Parish Hall, located across the street from the Vail Mansion.
Hot chocolate, pretzels, and star-shaped cookies from The Artist Baker will be available for purchase inside MPAC’s lobby, which will open at 4:30pm and remain open for the duration of the event.
MPAC is now using All-In Pricing. The prices you see on our website now include all service fees.
Ticket buyer and members of the ticket buyer’s party agree to observe and obey all instructions, warnings, or other requirements provided in advance of the event and on site. Please note that current conditions / regulations / guidelines are subject to change based on the status / situation known at the time, and that individual artists may impose their own restrictions.
