Connect2Culture’s announces February 2025 performances
Joplin, MO – Connect2Culture (C2C) will host three performances this month at their home theater, the Beshore Performance Hall, inside the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex (212 West 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801).
February will include a puppet play based on a beloved book, talented dancers from St. Louis, and a group performing on traditional and electric strings.
“February is going to be a very busy but exciting month for Connect2Culture,” says C2C Executive Director Emily Frankoski. “With a play for kids and their families, a dance master class and performance, and an acclaimed musical group, this month is a great opportunity for everyone to experience the magic of live entertainment!”
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch!
Saturday, February 8 | 2 p.m.
Ticket Prices: Adults: $16.90 | Kids: $4.42
Genre: Puppetry • Pre-K–3rd Grade
Mr. Hatch leads a predictable and dreary life. One Valentine’s Day, he unexpectedly receives a heart-shaped package with an anonymous note that whispers, “somebody loves you,” and everything changes. This heartwarming puppet play examines the effect that kindness can have on a lonely existence. Join washerwomen Betsy, Edna, and Molly as they bring Mr. Hatch’s story to life and help him search for his secret admirer!
This production by Axis Theatre Company is adapted from the book by Eileen Spinelli. Special Media Invitation: Axis Theatre Company will perform two private school shows of Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch! for area students on Friday, February 7th, at 10am and noon. The media is invited to document these special events. C2C’s Executive
Director will be available for comments between 9:00–9:30am, as well as from
11:15–11:30am.
Saint Louis Dance Theatre
Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $53.30 – $58.50
Genre: Ballet • Dance • Contemporary
In a special performance for the Joplin community, Saint Louis Dance Theatre presents a collection of stunning works by cherished artists of varied generations: Robert Battle, (Miami, Fla.) following his 11-year tenure as Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Battle shares his beloved duet Unfold set to “Depuis Le Jour” performed by the legendary opera singer, Leontyne Price. This concert also features the 1942 solo Chaconne by dance pioneer José Limón (Culiacán, Mexico), blending the formal austerity of the traditional Mexican dance with the powerful emotion of the music.
Highlighted audience favorites also include the alluring solo The Calling by Jessica Lang, Notes on a Farewell by Tommie-Waheed Evans, and PlayFolk by Bradley Shelver.
Special Master Class:
Contemporary Master Class with Saint Louis Dance Theatre’s Rehearsal Director,
Leonides Arpon (Ages 14+)
Friday, February 14 | 6 p.m.
Cost: $5
This master class frames contemporary dance as an expressive movement style combining elements of several dance genres. This class is meant to help dancers strive to connect the mind and body through fluid dance movements and personal expression.
Recommended for intermediate/advanced level students, ages 14 and up. Made possible in part by the Missouri Arts Council. Space is limited. To reserve your spot at the master class, please call 417-621-9824.
Strings Unleashed with Dallas String Quartet
Saturday, February 22 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $53.30 – $58.50
Genre: Classical Crossover • Strings • Innovative
A fusion of contemporary classical and pop music, the Dallas String Quartet (DSQ) is referred to as “Bach meets Bon Jovi”. The group uses both traditional and electric strings to perform as a quartet with the full accompaniment of drums and guitar. DSQ is known for their eclectic renditions of everything from Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine” to Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” to their collaboration, “You Are The Reason,” with the Piano Guys.
A complete list of all upcoming C2C performances, information about all artists, high resolution images, and more can be found in the official 24-25 press kit: https://connect2culture.box.com/v/c2c-performances-24-25.
Tickets to all C2C performances are sold exclusively through connect2culture.org, over the phone at (417) 621-9824, or at the box office inside the Cornell Complex. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1–5pm.
The public is encouraged to visit https://connect2culture.org/all-performances to explore and learn more about all of C2C’s upcoming performances.
Connect2Culture’s mission is to “ignite a passion for the arts, culture, and entertainment.”
It enriches the Joplin area by supporting arts and culture and presenting world-class performances. As Joplin’s community arts agency, it enhances access to creative offerings and serves as a collective voice for the arts. Located in the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Connect2Culture is dedicated to offering diverse and affordable performing arts experiences for all.
Learn more at connect2culture.org.