Full slate for SCCA

Published 10:46 pm Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Pianist George Winston is one of more than a dozen major acts to grace the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts stage this season. He joins favorites such as “The Nutcracker” and performer Clay Jenkinson.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts recently announced its new season, which begins in two weeks with the arrival of Scottish artist Al Stewart.

Featuring 14 main events, the new season incorporates something for everyone.

Events and acts that have become favorites at the center, such as “The Nutcracker,” the Sugar Plum Tea, the Downstairs at the Center series and performer Clay Jenkinson, all are back this season.

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“We’re also spicing it up with some new things,” said Bonnie Jo Brashares, marketing and development associate for the center.

New acts to the center’s schedule will include pianist George Winston, comedy group Chicago City Limits, singing group Masters of Motown, and children’s act Paperhand Puppets.

First up, though, is Al Stewart, whose signature song “Year of the Cat,” was featured in the 2006 movie “Running with Scissors.” He plays at the center Sept. 30.

In December, George Winston will bring his folk piano style to the stage, including song from his seasonal albums like “Autumn,” “December,” “Winter into Spring” and “Summer.”

In January, Clay Jenkinson, known for playing Thomas Jefferson, will bring a new character to life at the Suffolk stage. J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, is one of Jenkinson’s more recent characters. Oppenheimer was chose to head up the Manhattan Project, but later had deep misgivings about the project’s achievements.

In February, the Paperhand Puppets bring many styles of puppetry and artistic expression to the stage. The show switches between giant puppets, masks, stilt dancing, shadows and many other art forms.

Later in February, the Chicago City Limits will bring its style of family-friendly improvisational comedy to the stage.

March will see Masters of Motown and Circurious! on the stage. Masters of Motown will bring back some of the greatest names in popular music in the ‘60s, while Circurious! blends artistry and athleticism with aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, illusionists, singers and dancers.

The full schedule is below. For tickets or more information, call 923-2900 or visit www.suffolkcenter.org.