What we especially love about the Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut is that there is always a program to appeal to everyone, and their Upside Down Inside Out Season Gala was an exciting, exhilarating, and engaging evening of exceptional artistry that was a combination of contemporary dance by Frédérick Gravel, cocktail party, and rock concert by Betty Bonifassi with dancing. Cutting edge performances and a stylish ambience helped create an evening that will be talked about for quite some time.

Teresa Sauer, Debra Argen, Moses Ballapati

On Friday, October 13, 2017, the Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield, Connecticut turned itself Upside Down Inside Out for their 2-nights only, Season Gala, that began outside when we were greeted by students, Teresa Sauer and Moses Ballapati wearing black suits worn backwards with silver masks on the backs of their heads, and we knew then that we were in for a very different kind of evening.

Nina Bentley and Edward F. Nesta 

An upside-down table set for tea designed by artist Nina Bentley (www.NinaBentley.com) hung from the ceiling in the entrance, and the world of upside down inside out continued with tables, chairs, and art works hung contrary to the norm throughout to intrigue and engage conversations between patrons over glasses of champagne before the performances began. Quick Center's team, Executive Director Peter Van Heerden, Lori N. Jones - Director of Programming and Audience Development, Marni Smith Katz - Manager of Business Development, and Melissa Matuska - Events and Sales Manager, were on hand to host the festivities and to mingle with the guests.

Peter Van Heerden, Lori N. Jones, and Marni Smith Katz

The evening continued in the Black Box (Wein Experimental Theatre) with the contemporary dance performance entitled Tout se pète la guile, chérie (All Hell is Breaking Loose, Honey) by Frédérick Gravel who created the concept, direction, and performed in, along with Nicolas Cantin, Dany Desjardins, and Tomas Fuey.  A concept piece that combined avant-garde contemporary dance, performance art, rock music, song, and spoken word, Frédérick Gravel and the Montreal, Quebec, Canada troupe, pushed the envelope of extremes with the physicality of contemporary dance and succeeded in delivering an exciting performance. The talented ensemble not only danced, they also provided musical accompaniment playing electric guitar and piano, and sang.

Frédérick Gravel, Nicolas Cantin, Dany Desjardins, Tomas Fuey

The intermezzo, was the cocktail party, held in the Scene Shop, normally used as a workshop, where the inspired theme décor continued with a plethora of balloons hung upside down from the ceiling and other topsy-turvy art, complemented by a selection of delectable passed hors d'oeuvres, a well-stocked open bar, and an outdoor s'mores bar, that allowed patrons to mingle as well as provide them with the opportunity to speak with the creative dance team of Frédérick Gravel, Nicolas Cantin, Dany Desjardins, and Tomas Fuey.

Peter Van Heerden, Debra C. Argen and
Nicolas Cantin, Dany Desjardins

For "act three" we moved to the Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Theatre where well-known Montreal, Quebec vocalist Betty Bonifassi dazzled with her powerful, husky voice that was made to sing rock, accompanied by her band. Dancing, an open bar, more hors d'oeuvres, and projected club images on a wall helped to create a lounge ambience. Dancing until late in the evening, we thoroughly enjoyed the Upside Down Inside Out Season Gala experience, and look forward to another wonderful season of cultural opportunities at the Quick Center for the Arts.

Betty Bonifassi performing at
Upside Down Inside Out Season Gala

Watch a video clip of Betty Bonifassi performing an a cappella number - https://youtu.be/90868ravgAI.

Conveniently located in Fairfield, Connecticut, the Quick Center for the Arts is a 30-minute drive from Greenwich and New Haven, a 60-minute drive from Hartford, and a 90-minute drive from New York City.

The Quick Center for the Arts has an extensive program of theatre, dance, opera, classic, and jazz series, as well as family productions throughout the year.

A sampling of the many exciting upcoming programs at the Quick Center for the Arts:

For information and the complete list of upcoming programs and events, please visit the website, www.QuickCenter.com.

For tickets or information, please call: +1-203-254-4010 or toll-free: 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). 

Quick Center for the Arts
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
United States
Telephone:         +1-203-254-4010
Toll-Free:             +1-877-ARTS-396

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Website:              www.QuickCenter.com  

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