Diagonals are created from the leaning power of hurt verticals," says Peter Schumann, founder and director of Bread and Puppet Theater, which will present their new play, Diagonal Man: Theory and Praxis, at Hopewell Theater on May 9th. Bread and Puppet's Diagonal Man presents the diagonal as a potent and promising opposition to the dominating verticality of our culture. Puppeteers long ago realized that the most aesthetically radical movements for puppets are diagonals, because these movements are cannot be sustained by human actors or dancers for more than a moment. Diagonal Man brings all the bewildering, beguiling, and downright funny possibilities and implications of diagonality to life with song, dance, magic, mechanism, and stunning cardboard and paper maché puppets painted in Peter Schumann's exuberant, slapdash expressionist style.

The Bread and Puppet Theater was founded in 1963 by Peter Schumann on New York City’s Lower East Side. Besides rod-puppet and hand puppet shows for children, the concerns of the first productions were rents, rats, police, and other problems of the neighborhood. In 1974 Bread and Puppet moved to a farm in Glover in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Bread and Puppet is one of the oldest, nonprofit, self-supporting theatrical companies in the country. Thursday, May 9th at 8:00pm.
Jazz pianist turned roots musician, Sam Reider is redefining American music on the accordion. Reider, has been featured at Lincoln Center and on NPR, and performed alongside pop stars, jazz and folk musicians ranging from Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Bluegrass mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull to Venezuelan cuatro virtuoso Jorge Glem. For his debut record as bandleader, Too Hot To Sleep, Reider has assembled a “staggeringly virtuosic band” (RnR Magazine) of young acoustic musicians called The Human Hands. Irresistible melodies, fiery improvisation and otherworldly sounds collide in what Songlines Magazine has dubbed a "mash-up of the the Klezmatics, Quintette du Hot Club de France and the Punch Brothers.” Listen to the April 28 interview with Sam Reider on WXPN's Folk Show here . Friday, May 10th at 8:00pm.
Joan Stanley is a widow living out a quiet retirement in the suburbs when, shockingly, the British Secret Service places her under arrest. The charge: providing classified scientific information - including details on the building of the atomic bomb - to the Soviet government for decades. As the interrogation gets underway, Joan relives the dramatic events that shaped her life and her beliefs. Opens Saturday, May 11th.
Join us for a delicious and entertaining Mother's Day brunch with a performance by O'Neill and Martin. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with an array of delectable food items while listening to the uplifting tunes! A performance only ticket is available. To purchase, select mezzanine seats or call our box office at 609-466-1964 for assistance.  

The menu for the Sunday, May 12 brunch includes: 
  • Frittata with wild mushroom/blue cheese/caramelized onion
  • Turkey Bacon 
  • Chicken Marsala 
  • Vodka Rigatoni with plum tomato, onion, prosciutto, pecorino romano, cream
  • French Toast with Blueberry Compote
  • Homemade Seasonal Donuts with nutella syrup & salted caramel sauce

Jeannie O'Neill and Thomas Martin have been performing as a duo since 2008, mixing genres and styles to create a wholly individual sound. Their cover set combines elements from Rock, Pop, Country, Folk, Americana, and Blues. Led by the powerful vocals of Jeannie O'Neill, the duo incorporate unique vocal harmonies into a set of fresh, yet recognizable hit songs. Sunday, May 12th at 11:00am.
Cut live to tape with very little overdubbing, Undress was recorded in the late summer of 2018 in Tivoli, New York. Band members Ian Felice, James Felice, Will Lawrence (drums) and Jesske Hume (bass) teamed up with producer Jeremy Backofen to record their most personal and reflective album to date.

“Many of the songs on the new album are motivated by a shift from private to public concerns,” says songwriter Ian Felice. “It isn't hard to find worthwhile things to write about these days, there are a lot of storms blooming on the horizon and a lot of chaos that permeates our lives. The hard part is finding simple and direct ways to address them.”

Undress follows the band’s 2016 album Life In The Dark, and finds the group in a very different place three years later. Between personnel changes, families growing and the political landscape, the result is a tighter, more-paired down release. “Every song is a story,” said James Felice. “On this album everything was a bit more thoughtful, including the arrangements, the sonic quality and the harmonies.”

Ian and James Felice grew up in the Hudson valley of upstate NY. Self taught musicians, inspired as much by Hart Crane and Whitman as by Guthrie and Chuck Berry, they began in 2006 by playing subway platforms and sidewalks in NYC and have gone on to release nine albums of original songs and to tour extensively throughout the world. Following the release of Life in the Dark, The Felice Brothers served as the backing band for Conor Oberst’s 2017 release Salutations and the subsequent tour.

Johnathan Rice will open for The Felice Brothers. Hailed by NPR’s World Café as a songwriter capable of being both “wry and brooding,” Rice has always contained multitudes: he signed his first record deal at 19, the same year he made his film debut as Roy Orbison alongside Joaquin Phoenix’s Johnny Cash in Walk The Line; he released three solo records that earned tour dates with artists as varied as R.E.M., Ray LaMontagne, Pavement, and Phoenix; he wrote and produced for a slew of well-known artists and collaborated with everyone from Elvis Costello to Jonathan Wilson; and he even published an acclaimed book of poetry. But Rice’s latest album, ‘The Long Game,’ demonstrates a new kind of range and depth, stripping his songs back to their most elemental selves in order to reveal naked reflections on loss, pain, acceptance, and growth.

WXPN welcomes the show this Sunday, May 12th at 7:30pm.
MANTRA – Sounds into Silence is a feature-length documentary that charts the history, expansion and effect of the new music and social phenomenon of chanting. It focuses on the everyday people who are finding healing and a sense of inner peace by singing mantras together with others just like them, but it also features the artists and musicians who are the focus of this new music-based movement. It’s a film about spirituality not religion, it’s about people reconnecting with their true selves and finding meaning in their lives. Suzin Green  will introduce the film and lead a post-film discussion after the film. 

This program is a part of Hopewell Theater's ongoing series, The Art of Living Well , featuring inspiring films, speakers and interactive discussions exploring ways of cultivating serenity, meaning and a deeper connection to one’s self and the world.
Last Chance!
ASK DR. RUTH closes Wednesday!

Ask Dr. Ruth chronicles the incredible life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor who became America's most famous sex therapist. With her diminutive frame, thick German accent, and uninhibited approach to sex therapy and education, Dr. Ruth transformed the conversation around sexuality. As she approaches her 90th birthday and shows no signs of slowing down, Dr. Ruth revisits her painful past and unlikely path to a career at the forefront of the sexual revolution.
May Concessions Specials

Boylan's Soda:
Buy One, Get One Half Off!

We've updated the hours of our kitchen. Please note that on movie nights, the kitchen will be closed. Learn more here .
AND DON'T MISS:
MOVIES, COMEDY, SPECIAL PROGRAMS & LIVE MUSIC COMING SOON
AS YOU LIKE IT
From Stage To Screen
 Come into the forest; dare to change your state of mind. Rosalind is banished, wrestling with her heart and her head. With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper selves. Director Kimberley Sykes (Dido, Queen of Carthage) directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy from The Royal Shakespeare Company.
Wednesday May 15 at 7 pm and Saturday, May 18 at 4:30 pm.

Upcoming films in From Stage to Screen series:

Wednesday, July 10 and Saturday, July 13
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Wednesday, July 24 and Saturday, July 27
ROMEO AND JULIET
AMAZING GRACE
The never before seen movie featuring Aretha Franklin recording the most successful gospel album of all time, Amazing Grace. Amazing Grace is crafted from never before seen footage originally captured in 1972.

" 'Amazing Grace' can stand as an essential filmed record of what is undoubtedly one of the greatest gospel performances you'll ever see." - Owen Glieberman, Variety

Opens Friday, May 17.
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Family Matinee
A sweet boy from a poor family dreams of finding one of five golden tickets hidden inside chocolate bar wrappers which will admit him to the eccentric and reclusive Willy Wonka's magical factory. One after another, tickets are discovered by ghastly children - but will the lad find the last remaining one and have all his dreams come true?
Saturday, May 25 at 4:30 pm

Upcoming Family Matinees:

Saturday, June 22 at 4:30 pm
THE RED BALLOON & WHITE MANE

Saturday, July 6 at 4:30 pm
THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH

Saturday, August 3 at 4:30 pm
BACK TO THE FUTURE
BARAKA
The Art of Living Well series
Named after a Sufi word that translates roughly as "breath of life" or "blessing," Baraka is Ron Fricke's impressive follow-up to Godfrey Reggio's non-verbal documentary film Koyaanisqatsi. Fricke was cinematographer and collaborator on Reggio's film, and for Baraka he struck out on his own to polish and expand the photographic techniques used on Koyaanisqatsi. The result is a tour-de-force in 70mm: a cinematic "guided meditation" (Fricke's own description) shot in 24 countries on six continents over a 14-month period that unites religious ritual, the phenomena of nature, and man's own destructive powers into a web of moving images.
Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00pm.

All screenings are at 7 pm. Upcoming films in The Art of Living Well series:

Tuesday, June 11
SAMSARA

Tuesday, June 25
IYENGAR: THE MAN, YOGA, AND THE STUDENT'S JOURNEY with post-film Q/A with film's director
PURPLE RAIN
Films That Made Music
The Kid is a Minneapolis musician on the rise with his band, the Revolution, escaping a tumultuous home life through music. While trying to avoid making the same mistakes as his father, the Kid navigates the club scene and a rocky relationship with singer, Apollonia. But, another musician, Morris, looks to steal the Kid's spotlight -- and his girl. Thursday, May 30 at 7:00pm.

Upcoming events in the Films That Made Music series:

Thursday, June 20 at 7:00 pm
GIMME SHELTER

Thursday, July 18 at 7:00 pm
PINK FLOYD'S THE WALL

Thursday, August 15 and August 22 at 7:00 pm
WOODSTOCK
BUGS BUNNY AND FRIENDS
Saturday Afternoon Cartoons
It's "wabbit" season! Reunite with Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, Sylvester, Daffy Duck and all the Looney tunes gang in an animated assortment of hits that have tickled the funny bones of cartoon lovers for generations. There's something for everyone in this screening of Looney tunes classics that helped contribute to 90 years of Warner Bros. cartoon magic. 
Saturday, June 8 at 2:30 pm

Upcoming cartoons in the Saturday Afternoon Cartoon series:

Saturday, July 20 at 1 pm
SUPERMAN CARTOONS, PART 1

Wednesday, August 21 at 1 pm
SUPERMAN CARTOONS, PART 2
TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD
Father's Day Brunch Club
Join us for a delicious and entertaining Father's Day brunch with a screening of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with an array of delectable food items. A film only ticket is available. To purchase, select mezzanine seats or call our box office at 609-466-1964 for assistance.  The menu for the Sunday, June 16 brunch is to be announced. Doors open at 10:30 am, brunch is served at 11 am, and the film will begin at 11:45 am.  
Sunday, June 16 at 11 am.
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
Wayback Wednesdays
This summer, journey back in time one Wednesday a month to revisit some of the best of the best of repertory and cult cinema classics! LAWRENCE OF ARABIA chronicles the World War I experiences of T. E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole, in a breakout role). Early on, Lawrence gets transferred to Arabia, where he befriends Sherif Ali Ben El Kharish (Omar Sharif). At a time when the Arabs were rebelling against the Turks, Lawrence helps the Arabs. Dismissed by Prince Feisal (Alec Guinness) and his British superiors, Lawrence manages to unite Feisal's faction with that of Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn). After his success, the Allies use Lawrence in order to gain Arab cooperation against the Imperial Powers. The epic of all epics, Lawrence of Arabia cements director David Lean's status in the filmmaking pantheon with nearly four hours of grand scope, brilliant performances, and beautiful cinematography.
Wednesday, June 19 at 7 pm

All screenings are at 7 pm. Upcoming films in the Wayback Wednesday series:

Wednesday, July 17
PSYCHO BEACH PARTY

Wednesday, August 21
DIRTY DANCING
Crybaby Matinees
Crybaby Matinees take place every Thursday at 11 am, though not all films will be programmed in advance.
Upcoming dates in the series:

May 9: No Crybaby Matinee
May 23: WILLY WONKA
May 30: PURPLE RAIN
June 6: TBD
June 13: TBD
June 27: TBD
July 4: TBD
August 1: BACK TO THE FUTURE
August 8: TBD
August 22: TBD
August 29: TBD
COMEDY, PERFORMANCE, & BRUNCH CLUBS COMING SOON
Family Fun Concert:
Little Rockers
Chris & Jessie Apple have been teaching kids to rock in their popular cool kids music classes around New Jersey, inspiring kids and families to bond through music. They share their off beat humor and charm in a regular web series called Little Rockers Clubhouse as well as a weekly video song series on their YouTube channel 2littlerockers.

Now, The Little Rockers Band brings their fun and energetic rock concert to The Hopewell Theater. Get ready to count, sing, move and jam with the Apples in this interactive show. 

Are you ready for rockin'?
Saturday, May 18 at 12 pm.
Funny Stories:
A night of tales featuring Gastor Almonte and friends
Get prepared for a night of laughs featuring jokes and stories from some of the best standups around. 

Andrew McGill is a stand up comic and storyteller born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. You can catch him all over NYC doing stand up and telling stories. Lucas Connolly has been seen on Comedy Central's South Beach and NBC’s Seeso's New York's Funniest Comedians (2016), Comedy Central's New York (2013-2018) and South Beach Comedy Festivals (2012 and online content). Jeff Simmermon is a storyteller, stand up comic, and the producer/performer behind 'And I Am Not Lying,' a variety show that combined stand-up, storytelling, burlesque, sideshow and music for 5and a half years at UCB East. His album ‘And I Am Not Lying’ was released in June of 2017 and reached #1 on the iTunes comedy charts. Gastor Almonte keeps busy. He is an award-winning stand up comedian, storyteller, writer, and host. He's appeared on Comedy Central's This Is Not Happening, Vice and PBS. He’s been featured on the Risk! podcast and the Story Collider Podcast. Timeout magazine named him one of your "New Comedy Obsessions." His new album, Immigrant Made, debut at #1 on the Amazon comedy charts, #1 on the Google Play comedy charts, and #2 on the iTunes comedy charts.
Friday, May 31 at 8 pm
Connection Beyond *LIVE*
The VIP Experience
with Medium Marisa Liza Pell
One of the nation’s most detailed mediums brings a riveting interactive experience to audiences nationwide with a performance inspiring laughter, tears, and astounding detail. Experience LIVE readings from the other side during this event – individual messages that are sure to leave you thrilled and amazed! You may have seen or heard Ms. Pell on CBS, FOX News, NBC and many major radio programs. For more information on the VIP package, see our website. Saturday, June 1 at 8 pm.

*Please Note: This show is a theatrical experience. Purchasing a ticket does not guarantee an individual reading. VIP and/or priority seating does not increase the chances of being read. Anyone may be read in any section.*
Writer's Block by Christopher Canaan
Leo Lost, confused, hopeful 
Cleo Lost, confused, less hopeful 
Mary Sexy, smart, less confused 
Ms. X The mediator. 
The Writer Angry, the source of all confusion 

Writers Block is an absurd comedy with lofty ambitions and a madcap romp through the quirky but tortured mind of a writer who is plagued by the specter that deep down he is shallow. His inability to resolve his play or his life twist, turn, crash and burn until he literally becomes a prisoner of his own dysfunctional imagination. With the help of his wife and muse, he realizes the only true resolution comes from the heart, and not the mind.
Saturday, June 8 at 8:00pm.
Comedy Night:
John Poveromo &
Joanne Filan
A Brooklyn-born and Jersey-raised Stand Up, John Poveromo’s perfect blend of self deprecation and optimism makes him a dynamic and unpredictable performer that’s both engaging and fun to watch as he struggles to make sense of himself and the world around him. John has been featured in the New York Times and the Asbury Park Press. He can be heard on Sirius XM Radio, has been featured at the Jersey City Comedy Festival, The New York Underground Comedy Festival and appeared on Comcast On Demand's "Young Comedians Showcase." John has lent his writing talents to a variety of shows, including ESPN's Sports Nation, Current TV's Viewpoint with John Fugelsang, Joy Behar's 'Say Anything' on HLN, The Independents, CNN's Newsroom as well as Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld, Hannity and VH1's "Best Of" series.

Growing up in New Jersey (but refusing to die there), Joanne Filan is over a decade into the business and has never been more on top of her game. She consistently delivers a unique “stream of consciousness” style of humor full of random thoughts and quirky observations that keep audiences either rolling in the aisles or on the edges of their seats, anxious to hear what she has to say next. With an amazing gift for improv, razor-sharp wit, and a subtle delivery, Joanne is an unexpected gem- a comedian so able to tap into the moment that no two shows are ever alike. Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30pm.
Ladies Let Loose in Hopewell with Jackie Byrne & Marion Grodin
Get ready to "Let Loose" in Hopewell with Jackie Byrne and Marion Grodin! 

Jackie Byrne is a stand-up comic, actor and host who is known for being super fun, sassy and quick witted. She's a girl with a rubber face and Jersey attitude who brings her bubbly and spontaneous energy to audiences all over the country. She's been featured on Funny or Die and Buzzfeed, and you can see her in the feature film, Seclusion.  

For the last decade, Marion Grodin has been one of the hottest comics in the country. She is a favorite at New York City’s top clubs, including Standup NY and Gotham Comedy Club, where she regularly headlines. As one of the country’s top emcees, Marion’s incredible ability to improvise has allowed her to master the art of talking with the audience. Always willing to be as self-revealing as she is probing of the audience…this affectionately edgy style has become Marion’s trademark. The result is a hilariously personal show that makes the audience feel like it was custom-made just for them. Friday, June 28 at 8 pm

Family Fun Concert: Steve Pullara
Grammy recipient Steve Pullara brings his popular Cool Beans Music ® to your family! Get ready for a really interactive children's family concert.  Steve Pullara's Cool Beans Music Concerts are considered among the top their genre. Bring your kids and grand-kids for a rollicking musical time through Steve's 20-plus years of award winning songs. They're guaranteed to put a smile on everybody's face. Put on your dancing shoes for a lively and upbeat show that your children will remember for a lifetime!
Saturday, June 29 at 12 pm
Summer Stars Theatre Camp
Kids, get ready to take the stage at Hopewell Theater - you are cordially invited to join our Summer Stars theater camp! Every afternoon will be filled with fun, hands-on theater arts activities exploring character, movement, costuming, and backstage jobs. The program will lead up to and prepare campers for the final big show at the end of camp, the "Showcase" where every camper will have a part, performed at Hopewell Theater. All campers will also have the opportunity to "meet-the-actors" after HT's children's theater production of My Mother, The Astronaut the week of camp (includes two free tickets to the show for camper and parent/guardian). 

Camp begins each day at 1:30 pm. Late-afternoon snack and supplies will be provided, included in registration cost. Pick up time is between 5 pm - 5:30 pm. Late afternoon snack will be provided in standard and vegetarian options each camp day for every registered camper. All late afternoon snacks will not contain nuts. Camp is appropriate for 1st through 7th graders. There will be an afternoon Summer Stars showcase at 4:30 pm on Friday, July 19. Camp runs Monday July 8 - Friday July 19.
Comedy Night:
Jess Salomon & Friends
Jess Salomon is a Canadian comedian now based in New York. She was a 2017 StandUp NBC Finalist and had her stand up featured on SiriusXM’s “Raw Dog”. 

Jess has written for the award-winning sketch comedy show “Baroness Von Sketch” (IFC/CBC) and her comedy has aired on television in Canada on the CBC and radio shows like SiriusXM’s “Canada Laughs” and CBC’s “LOL”. Jess is the regular host of “Dirty Laundry” at UCB (Hell’s Kitchen) Monday nights at 11pm. You can also catch her co-hosting The Lesbian Agenda at Union Hall in Brooklyn. She also performs as part of the comedy duo, The El-Salomon’s, with her wife Eman El-Husseini (@TheElSalomons).

Fun fact: before comedy Jess used to be a U.N. war crimes lawyer. The jury is still out on whether this was a good move.

Additional comedians for the evening are to be announced. 
Thursday, July 11th at 7:30pm.
Brunch Club ft. live music by Bill Flemer
Join Hopewell Theater for a delicious and entertaining brunch with a performance by local musician Bill Flemer. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with an array of delectable food items while listening to the uplifting tunes! Bill will be playing 70s classics at the July 21st brunch, and 80s favorites at the August 18th brunch. Menus for both brunches are to be announced. A performance only ticket is available. To purchase, select mezzanine seats or call our box office at 609-466-1964 for assistance.

Although he was born, raised, and still lives in Princeton, Bill Flemer found his musical mecca in Texas and Nashville. He learned harmonic theory from listening to the Beatles, played in a barn-based rock band in high school, and moved into bluegrass in college. Today he plays and sings both traditional and more recent, alternative country music and western swing tunes, both as a solo performer and with a diverse assortment of area musicians. Sunday, July 21at 11 am.

Mark you calendars for future Brunch Clubs:

Brunch ft. live music by Bill Flemer
Sunday, August 18 at 11 am featuring musical highlights from the 1980s.

LIVE MUSIC COMING SOON
Damien Jurado
with Anna St. Louis
Singer/Songwriter touring new album In The Shape Of A Storm
Wednesday, May 22 7:30 pm
Carbon Leaf
Blending rock, folk, Celtic, bluegrass and Americana traditions into a high-energy style
Thursday, June 6 7:30 pm
Sarah Dash: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
 Sarah Dash shares stories from her friendship with Aretha Franklin and sings songs from Aretha's songbook.  
Saturday, June 15 8:00 pm
Tom Rush
Iconic Folk star with
distinctive guitar style
Saturday, June 29 8:00 pm
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet Celebrates Dave Brubeck's Centennial
Sons of Cool Jazz great Dave Brubeck bring their unique inventiveness to HT
Saturday, July 20 8:00 pm
Sloan Wainwright
Folk music luminary who defies standard categorization
Saturday, July 27 8:00 pm
The Bailsmen
Hot Jazz and Gypsy Swing group from New York City
Thursday, August 8 7:30 pm
Lucy Kaplansky
“A truly gifted performer…full of enchanting songs...” - New York Times
Friday, August 16 8:00 pm
Sugar Ray and the Bluetones
Chicago style blues band led by Grammy nominated Sugar Ray Norcia
Saturday, August 17 8:00 pm
Danielia Cotton
Hopewell's own returns to HT!
Saturday, September 7 8:00 pm
Steve Forbert and the
New Renditions
Respected singer/songwriter with new book and album
Saturday, September 14 8:00 pm
Tameca Jones
Rising Austin, TX star with a " big, sweet, soulful voice"
Friday, September 27 8:00 pm
Jonah Tolchin
Artfully occupies the gulf between old-school tradition and contemporary appropriation
Saturday, October 12 8 pm
Gibson Brothers: Mockingbird Band
A blend of classic '70s-infused rock and timeless country
Member pre-sale happening now!
Saturday, October 26th at 8:00pm
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Live music that spans the sonic spectrum. Indie, foreign and classic cinema. Satisfying snacks and personable people. Here at Hopewell Theater, they all come together. Join us for an upcoming event . Or join us for real and become a member to receive special perks and privileges. Either way, you’re in for a selectively eclectic experience.