Mark Morris Dance's Beatles Tribute 'Pepperland' - Ticket On Sale

BERKELEY, CA – Lovingly echoing and re-imagining Beatles' iconic songs like "With a Little Help From My Friends" and "When I'm Sixty-Four," famed choreographer Mark Morris of the Mark Morris Dance Group celebrates the 50th anniversary of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band" with a new work called "Pepperland," making its Bay Area debut Sept. 28-30.

With original music by Ethan Iverson, the production comes to Zellerbach Hall on the University of California, Berkeley, campus for four shows, accompanied by an open house, an art exhibit, an artist's talk, a film series and a community dance class.

"Pepperland" is presented and co-commissioned by Cal Performances as part of its 2018-2019 season, and marks the 11th Morris work commissioned by Cal over the course of a 30-year artistic relationship.

Morris, who - like many people - grew up with Beatles' tunes, was invited to contribute to last year's celebration of the album in Liverpool, England, where he premiered "Pepperland" to enthusiastic audiences, according to Cal Performances.

Iverson's score blends original music with classic songs from the "Sgt. Pepper" album. And designer Elizabeth Kurtzman created vibrant costumes inspired by 1960s mod fashion.

The accompanying exhibit will feature Beatles and "Pepperland" memorabilia, costumes, art, music and video as well as a photo booth and a live theremin demonstration. A community dance class - open to all ages and
abilities -- will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 29 in the Bancroft Studio. A $10 fee and pre-registration online is required. And in collaboration with the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), Morris will guest-curate a series of seven films that showcase the innovation in the arts of the late 1960s.

Tickets for "Pepperland" range from $36 to $135 and are available by calling (510) 642-9988 or at calperformances.org.

ALSO COMING UP NEARBY:

• Scottish Highland Gathering & Games 2018: Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
• Rail Fair 2018 - Train Rides & Music: Ardenwood Farm, Fremont
• 2018 Fall Festival - Crafts, Music & Kids' Fun: Castro Valley
• 'Relics on Railroad' Antiques, Appraisals & Art Faire: Danville
• Battlestar Cornhole & Craft Beer Fest: USS Hornet, Alameda
• Final 'Day To Play' -Closing Of Playland-Not-At-Beach, El Cerrito
• Solano Avenue Stroll & Parade 2018: Berkeley & Albany

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