KENNY DEFOREST is a stand-up comedian, writer and actor best known for his appearances on Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central Stand-up, HBO’s Crashing, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and as a former producer and co-host of Comedy at the Knitting Factory, widely considered to be one of the best independently run comedy shows in the world. In 2017, he recorded his debut stand-up album B.A.D. Dreams with Comedy Dynamics, which debuted #1 on iTunes, and in 2015 he was named one of Comedy Central’s “Comics to Watch.” In 2018, he was invited to perform in the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal as a “New Face” where he was named “Best of the New Faces” by The Village Voice. In 2016, he was included in the “50 Funniest People in Brooklyn” by Brooklyn Magazine. With a wry grin and a gentle heart, DeForest guides his audiences through the darkest recesses of human existence and shines a light on them to remind us all that, more often than not, the boogeyman is actually just an absurdly funny glitch in the matrix.

VON MYCHAEL is an up-and-coming comedian who hails from Chester, VA. His work ethic and determination to become a celebrated name in comedy has landed him at the Apollo, where he won second place. He is a six-time winner of the Funnybone Clash of Comics and has opened for heavy weights in comedy such as Jamie Kennedy, John Heffron, Jon Reep, Guy Torry and Tony Woodz.

RON CAINE is a comedian from right here in York, PA. His dark and absurd takes on family and life in general have given audiences a glimpse into his funny style. Ron also runs “2CainesProductions,” which produces a monthly comedy show in New Cumberland and other shows throughout the region. He has performed throughout the Midwest and East coast and has worked with Eliot Chang and Mark Norman.

I am pleased to have you join us here in our historic theatres for the start of what will be a very exciting season, filled with the sounds, sights and exhilaration of the live performing arts. We have been working nonstop to plan a season that has something for everyone to enjoy – rock, pop, folk/Americana, jazz, comedy, films, variety shows, family programs and more. Simply stated, there will be joy in the air… and much more still to come!

Something for Everyone

At the end of September, we will announce new performances coming to our stages. While I cannot name them all in this space, I welcome you to tap into the “2022-23 Season” feature story in the menu and either mark your calendar or, better yet, click through each event and order your tickets right now! 

Community Focus

In addition to the shows on our stages, the Appell Center is committed to recognizing and celebrating the talent and knowledge found in our community. Our team is involving our community partners and residents to broaden our focus and ensure that everyone has access and is welcome to experience the arts and create art as well. Tap into the menu and read all about it in our “Learning & Engagement” story. Then think about how you can become involved or have an impact on this work.

Turning 100

At the start of 2022, we launched our Centennial Campaign to help fund much needed improvements to our facility, celebrating its 100^th Anniversary in 2025. We have now come to the close of the campaign which raised over $7.6 million. Preparation has already begun, and I will report progress in the coming months. Thank you to all in the community who have supported this project, whether financially or with their expertise and assistance.

Thank You

A very big THANK YOU to our Appell Center Members, a crucial component of our sustainability. It is Membership support that makes it possible for us to foster and inspire the artists of tomorrow, unite friends and loved ones in shared experiences, and cultivate a bustling downtown, as well as attract the hottest concerts and theatrical productions for your enjoyment, expand our education programs and community outreach, boost York city tourism and nightlife and preserve our historic facilities. If you are not currently a Member, please consider how you can help keep the Appell Center the vibrant cultural hub it is today.

Going Digital

Finally, you are now reading this letter on your digital device rather than in a printed book, as we have navigated toward a new program platform. This digital space will allow us to not only bring you content about the show you will be seeing, but also the most up-to-date information on our season, our community and all our programs. In turn, we are reducing the environmental costs of paper production and waste. Please look around; tap into the menu to see it all… and stay tuned as we will continue to send you more news and stories throughout the season. 

Again, welcome to the Appell Center and enjoy the show!

Todd Fogdall
President & CEO

The Strand and Capitol Theatres at Appell Center for the Performing Arts continue to feature the very best artists from around the state and across the country. We are excited to welcome you to experience the joy and inspiration that can only come from the live performing arts! And this Fall we have something for everyone!

Here are some highlights… with more being added every week!

SEPTEMBER

On September 10, One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & The Works will have you dancing in the aisles during its acclaimed tribute to the theatrics, showmanship, and arguably the greatest rock band of all time.

CapLive will feature the highly-anticipated return of celebrated writer and musician Josh Ritter on September 16 with a concert featuring (in his own words) “some of the stranger, quieter, more narrative songs that I may not always get to at a rock show… I want to stomp the dust off… see what joy can come from sorrow and what tears can come from joy.”

OCTOBER

On October 4 don’t miss Toad the Wet Sprocket celebrating 30 years as a band and still performing with the same spirit of unwavering independence that started it all over three decades ago.

COME ON DOWN! The Price is Right Live is coming to the Strand on October 6 and all are eligible to be contestants and play classic games from Plinko™ to Cliffhangers™ to The Big Wheel™ and even the fabulous Showcase for a chance to win big prizes.

On October 8, celebrate “joy as an act of resistance” (Toni Dericotte) with Resistance Revival Chorus . This 60+-member collective of womxn and non-binary singers breathe joy and song into the resistance, and uplift and center womxn’s voices. Chorus members represent a multitude of identities, professions, creative backgrounds, and activist causes, calling for justice and equity for womxn across racial, ethnic, economic, sexual identity and religious lines; harnessing the collective power of womxn to help change the world; and celebrating each other through song. You will not want to miss this very special event.

On October 15, gather the whole family to experience a breathtaking homage to the power of air. In Air Play umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people, and snow swirls, filling the stage. With stunning images and gales of laughter, Air Play bounces on the edge of definition: part comedy, part sculpture, part circus, part theater, bringing to life the very air we breathe.  

October closes out with a weekend of legendary performers. On October 28, Tracy Morgan makes his Strand Theatre debut on his No Disrespect Tour. One of the most well-respected comedians in his field, Morgan will have you rolling in the aisle with laughter. And on October 29, we are bringing back INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson with an ALL-NEW SHOW, featuring song and dance routines MJ created but never had the opportunity to bring to the national stage and your favorite greatest hits.

NOVEMBER

In November the Strand Theatre will be filled with the electric sounds of some of the most revered performers of our time. We open on November 1 with the guitar power of Joe Satriani as he brings his Earth Tour 2022-2023 to York. On November 6, Lindsey Buckingham returns to the Strand Theatre to perform his solo hits and the most loved songs from his time as the musical visionary of Fleetwood Mac. We are thrilled to also announce the return of the legendary Gladys Knight to the Strand Theatre stage on November 17, performing her #1 hits. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her undeniable talent, and later this year she will presented the Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime artistic achievement. Get your tickets now! We also welcome Black Violin on its Give Thanks Tour hitting our stage on November 19. Bringing their signature fusion of classical and hip hop, these guys should not be missed.

DECEMBER

Jazz returns to the Strand Theatre on December 3 as we welcome back Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for Big Band Holidays featuring the incomparable Dianne Reeves and the smooth and sultry tones of emerging jazz vocalist Samara Joy. 

FILM

This fall CapFilm has some unique opportunities in store for moviegoers! 

First Friday Free Family Films are back each and every First Friday starting on September 2 with Lucas/Spielberg’s The Land Before Time, followed by Encanto on October 7, and two beloved Dr. Seuss films: The Lorax on November 4 and The Grinch (starring Jim Carrey) on December 2.

You’ve seen them on the internet, now see them on the big screen! CatVideo Fest is coming to the Capitol on September 17 featuring a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. A portion of the sales will be donated to Heavenly Paws Animal Shelter in York.

Join us on September 17 and 18 for HALLELUJAH: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song, a definitive exploration of singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, “Hallelujah.” Featuring Jeff Buckley, Brandi Carlile, Eric Church, Judy Collins Bob Dylan, Rufus Wainwright and others, witness a wealth of never-before-seen archival materials from the Cohen Trust including personal notebooks, journals and photographs, performance footage, and extremely rare audio recordings and interviews.

The 25^th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival returns September 24-25. The only event of its kind, the Festival’s Final Ten films (all automatically Oscar-qualified) are screened simultaneously across the world with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by you, the audience!

On October 22, Brand and Janet are in trouble and seek refuge in the mansion on the hill. Little do they know about the inhabitants and partygoers they are about to encounter, as Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Capitol! Our festivities will be led by Baltimore’s Chocolate Covered Rocky shadowcast who are guaranteed to get you up and doing the Time Warp in the aisles! And prop bags are included with your ticket… order today!

… and these are just the HIGHLIGHTS of our Fall season! New events are being added to the calendar all the time, so visit AppellCenter.org for the most updated schedule of events… and be sure you are on our email list for announcements.

While we are no longer requiring Covid safety precautions, unless required by artists or rising conditions , our audiences can have confidence that their Appell Center experience will be healthy and safe. We continue to encourage guests to wear masks should they choose. Our facilities are sanitized before and after all performances, deep cleaning practices are in place, and our HVAC systems feature MERV 13 filtration and maximum fresh air circulation. Up-to-date health and safety information is always available at AppellCenter.org.

We are all looking forward to an exhilarating season and welcoming you often.

This three-part showcase focuses on an evolution of a mindset, from being pulled, to drifting, to realizing who they are. 

SEPTEMBER

Sat Sep 10 @7:30PM
One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & The Works

Thu Sep 15 @7:30PM
CapLive: Southern Culture on the Skids

Fri Sep 16 @7:30PM
CapLive: Josh Ritter

Sat Sep 17 @3:30PM
CapFilm: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song

Sat Sep 17 @7:00PM
CapFilm: Cat Video Fest 2022

Sat Sep 17 @7:30PM
Celebrating the Music of Sam Cooke & Marvin Gaye

Sun Sep 18 @3:00PM
CapFilm: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song

Sat Sep 24 @3:30PM
CapFilm: Manhattan Short Film Festival

Sat Sep 24 @7:00PM
CapFilm: Manhattan Short Film Festival

Sun Sep 25 @3:00PM
CapFilm: Manhattan Short Film Festival

Wed Sep 28 @7:00PM
CapFilm: Dio: Dreamers Never Die

OCTOBER

Sun Oct 2 @3:00PM
CapFilm: Dio: Dreamers Never Die

Tue Oct 4 @7:30PM
Toad the Wet Sprocket 

Wed Oct 5 @7:00PM
CapFilm: Billy Joel Live at Yankee Stadium

Thu Oct 6 @7:30PM
The Price is Right Live!

Fri Oct 7 @5:30PM
Jazz in the City

Fri Oct 7 @6:30PM
First Friday Film – Encanto FREE!
Sponsored by UPMC

Sat Oct 8 @7:30PM
Resistance Revival Chorus

Sun Oct 9 @7:00PM
CapFilm: Billy Joel Live at Yankee Stadium

Fri Oct 14 @7:30PM
CapComedy: JL Cauvin with Chris Lamberth

Sat Oct 15 @2:00PM
Air Play – Circus and science collide!

Sat Oct 22 @10:00PM
CapFilm: Rocky Horror Picture Show featuring Chocolate Covered Rocky Horror

Sun Oct 23 @4:00PM
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater

Fri Oct 28 @7:30PM
Tracy Morgan – No Disrespect

Sat Oct 29 @7:30PM
Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson

NOVEMBER

Tue Nov 1 @7:30PM
Joe Satriani – Earth Tour 2022-2023

Fri Nov 4 @5:30PM
Jazz in the City

Fri Nov 4 @6:30PM
First Friday Film – Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax FREE!
Sponsored by UPMC

Sun Nov 6 @7:30PM
Lindsey Buckingham

Fri Nov 11 @7:30PM
CapLive: XPN Welcomes Darlingside with Caitlin Canty

Fri Nov 17 @7:30PM
Gladys Knight: Sponsored by Glatfelter Insurance Group

Fri Nov 18 @7:30PM
CapComedy: Zack Johnson with Bob Lauver

Fri Nov 19 @7:30PM
Britain’s Finest: The Complete Beatles’ Experience

Sat Nov 19 @7:30PM
Black Violin

DECEMBER

Fri Dec 2 @5:30PM
Jazz in the City

Fri Dec 2 @6:30PM
First Friday Film – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018) FREE!
Sponsored by UPMC

Sat Dec 3 @7:30PM
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Dianne Reeves & Samara Joy – Big Band Holidays

Fri Dec 9 @7:30PM
CapLive: Karla Bonoff & Livingston Taylor – Home for the Holidays

Fri Dec 16 @7:30PM
CapComedy

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This season, the Appell Center continues its focus on bringing the very best entertainment to diverse audiences of all ages… but wait, there’s more!

In addition to planning the shows on our stages, this summer we committed ourselves as an organization to recognize and celebrate the artistic talent of our community in many ways. 

Open Stages Launch

On June 3 we introduced a new OPEN STAGES project, where we flung open our doors and invited all to come out and walk on the stage to perform, explore or just “be.” This inaugural event was a celebration of not only the arts, but of Pride, and teens were encouraged to do with the space whatever brought them joy. 

Discovery Sessions

In July, led by Seth Laidlaw, our Director of Education and Community Engagement, we began a collaboration with Creative Generation, a group committed to pioneering projects in the arts and cultural, education and social change fields to support those organizations driving systemic change in their communities. This work will produce an actionable plan elevating knowledge within our community to help inform a set of tools to create a societal hub for arts and cultural education in York County, PA. Listening sessions with key partners and their constituents were conducted over the course of two days, and information gathered to help inform the next steps of our strategic plan in this area.

Summer Camp Success

July also saw the return of summer camps to our Studio space, led by teaching artist professionals. Talented youth in grades 3-6 gathered for a week to “Build A Play” from the ground up, including script, casting, acting, set design, costuming, props and program design. Later in July, the Appell Center Show Choir was formed of singers in grades 6-10 to learn a host of songs from pop to Broadway, with the final project of a Broadway Medley. Both camps then presented their work to a public audience of family, friends and community members. We are still hearing from campers that the experience was a true highlight of not only their summer, but of their lives!

Baby Rave Is Born

August First Friday saw the introduction of our first BABY RAVE, a family focused dance party for all ages, but specifically for up to age eight. For two hours on the Strand stage, families gathered to dance, play games, have their faces painted or get a glow in the dark tattoo, have snacks and just have a great time. Keystone Kidspace was on hand with activities as well and the photo booth was active with smiling faces all around. Look for news of our next Rave coming soon!

York Arts Week All Access

On August 25, SIGHTLINES, presented as part of York Arts Week, provided an “all-access pass” to our performing and gathering spaces for a variety of events and activities, featuring several visual and performing artists from the community. Fine arts and photography were on display, promising vocalists competed in the Strand Sing-Off, Temple Guard presented a powerful display, social justice held the spotlight with a film and talk-back, and so much more. Once again, this event was free and welcome for all to participate.

“The Appell Center envisions its venues to be a cultural hub for the community and a connecting point to celebrate the diversity of York County,” states Seth, who is leading our team on its commitment to this work. “We hope these new opportunities will bring our community together, just like the performing arts are meant to do.”

There is so much more to come! This season brings new workshops, discussions and events that explore the performing arts, teach new skills and engage more meaningfully… all with the intention of coming together as a community. Learn more at www.appellcenter.org/education.

Covid-19 policy

For current policies and updates, please visit AppellCenter.org.

The Appell Center will continually monitor Covid-19 data with guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. All are encouraged to regularly visit our website or call the Box Office for up-to-date information, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and any specific instructions for your scheduled performance.

Bag check

It is recommended that you do not bring any bags with you in order to expedite entry. Bag checks are mandatory and conducted by our security team. Metal (or wooden) rods will be used to search each bag. Guests will be asked to open and hold their own bags while they are being searched for any items not permitted in the building.

Concessions

Concessions are available at both the Capitol and Strand Theatres. All alcoholic beverages are sold in reusable cups which must be purchased with your first drink. Guests are encouraged to bring their cups back to our concessions stands during future visits to purchase drinks at the refill price. Non-Appell Center cups will not be eligible for refills.

Restrooms

Restrooms are located on both levels of the Strand Theatre and on the first floor of the Capitol Theatre. Accessible restrooms are available in both theatres.

Coat check

A complimentary coat check is available in the Strand lobby. The Appell Center for the Performing Arts is not responsible for personal property left in the coat check room.

Accessible Services

ADA-compliant seating is offered in several locations. Assistive-listening devices are available for all Strand Theatre shows and select films. These devices can be picked up at the coat check. We also offer audio description and closed captioning for some films. Sign language interpretation may be available when requested at least two weeks in advance. Notify the Box Office of any needs when purchasing tickets. We’re happy to arrange the perfect seats and services for you.

Smoking

The Appell Center is a non-smoking facility, including e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Child booster seats

Complimentary booster seats are only available in the Strand at the coat check on a first-come, first-served basis.

Electronic devices

We appreciate your cooperation in silencing all electronic devices before the performance begins.

Photo/recording policy

For most events, photography/recording of any type is prohibited. However, for some events, non-professional, non-flash, photography is permitted. Any adjusted policy will be advertised on signs at the entrance to the venue. The Appell Center reserves the right to confiscate any photo or recording device if policies are ignored. Patrons found possessing professional equipment not expressly authorized will be asked to leave their cameras in their vehicles or will otherwise be escorted from the venue.

Visit AppellCenter.org/FAQ to learn more about our policies.