|
|||||||||||||
Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
Community arts groups have a new home at Hylton Center
The Hylton Performing Arts Center opened with a splash last weekend, featuring the Canadian singing/dancing group Leahy on Friday and the American Festival Pops Orchestra on Saturday.But it was Sunday's lineup that really highlights what the county's newest fine arts venue is all about.
Sunday's “Family Day” event featured performances from local groups such as the Manassas Chorale, NOVA Manassas Symphony Orchestra, Woodbridge Flute Choir, Prince William Little Theatre and Creative and Performing Arts Center.
While the Hylton Center will feature nationally and internationally-known groups, it's main purpose is to be a community arts facility.
The Hylton features two theaters, the 270-seat Gregory Family Theater and the 1,140-seat Merchant Hall.
According to project director Brian Marcus, the original proposal was for a much larger theater but organizers wanted the facility to be primarily a community venue.
Local groups like the Prince William Little Theatre and Manassas Chorale probably couldn't fill a 2,000-seat auditorium so the smaller design was chosen. The result is an intimate but spectacular theater modeled after the 18th-century European opera houses.
In the coming months, Merchant Hall will play host to the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company, Rockapella, the Opole Philharmonic of Poland, the Capitol Steps and the Russian National Ballet Theatre.
At the same time, the Hylton will also feature Vpstart Crow, the Youth Orchestras of Prince William, Boyle School of Irish Dance and other local groups.
The next event, on June 23, is a family dance for all ages. The cost is $15 per family and the event will be repeated on July 28 and Aug. 25.
In July, the Hylton Center will also begin a series of day camps that provide art, music and theater education for children as young as 3. Costs vary by class but start at $95. Additional camps for even younger children and their parents are also offered.
The Hylton Performing Arts Center is located at 10960 George Mason Circle in Manassas.
For details, visit www.hyltonperformingartscenter.com. Tickets can be purchased by calling 888-945-2486 or online at www.tickets.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.