Richardson | January 2023

BUSINESS FEATURE

BY KAREN CHANEY

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

“MY NO. 1 CRITERION IS PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE.” ALLY HAYNESHAMBLEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Charles W. Eisemann Center 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson 972-744-4650 www.eisemanncenter.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and two hours prior to live ticketed performances American-Oxford Society has asked Winston Churchill to address them and discuss what this honor means to him in this play. • March 4 at 8 p.m.: Richardson Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Stars of the Future’ The mischief, mythical fairies and innocent lovers brought to life in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are magically portrayed through Felix Mendelssohn’s music. In addition, Béla Bartók’s “Two Portraits” date from a formative period in his life when he forged his aesthetic and philosophy. • March 11 at 7:30 p.m.: Eisemann Center presents ‘The Brit Pack Returns’ Back by popular demand, The Brit Pack will take their audience on a journey through a dynamic blend of British classics known and loved by all, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, The Who, Oasis, Radiohead, The Police, Amy Winehouse and many more. • March 18 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; March 19 at 2 p.m.: Eisemann Center presents ‘Churchill’ In recognition of being awarded honorary U.S. citizenship by President John F. Kennedy occasion, The

Vocal Majority is a longtime rental client of the facility.

COURTESY EISEMANN CENTER

In addition to hosting around 450 performances each year, the Eisemann Center spotlights visual art throughout the facility.

The Tuzer Ballet puts on an annual production of “The Nutcracker.”

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY EISEMANN CENTER

The Charles W. Eisemann Center City of Richardson performance facility is ‘crown jewel of the community’ A s the recently hired executive director of the Charles W. Eisemann Center business leaders wanted to build an art center that would bring people to Richardson. “Where the Eisemann Center is

One of Haynes-Hamblen’s respon- sibilities is booking performances. A way she does this is by attending performing arts conferences where she watches live performances and meets with agents. “My No. 1 criterion is performance excellence. I don’t have to be a fan of the genre as long as the performer is at the top of their craft,” she said. “What’s important is if the audience is going to be interested in the act.” Haynes-Hamblen said after 20 years, the Eisemann Center contin- ues to be what she was told it was designed to be, “a crown jewel for the community.” “The people who live in Richard- son feel that sense of ownership and pride,” she said.

for Performing Arts and Corporate Presentations, Ally Haynes-Hamblen said she has spent time with the facility’s namesake learning about its history and goals. “He made it very clear that it is important to him that ... we can call each other up anytime we have a question,” she said. “He’s held true to that; I’ve enjoyed getting to know him.” The Eisemann Center opened on Sept. 12, 2002. Haynes-Hamblen started her position 20 years later. She said the origins of the center date back to the 1990s when Richard- son City Council members and local

placed is part of a master plan with the Renaissance Hotel next to us; they would complement each other and bring tourism to Richardson,” she said. “It was built intentionally right on the [Dallas Area Rapid Transit] line.” There are approximately 450 performances given annually. Haynes-Hamblen said perfor- mances include rock ‘n’ roll, classical music, dance, ensemble theater, one-person shows and more. “If you can envision putting it on a stage in a theater, we can do it,” Haynes-Hamblen said.

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RICHARDSON EDITION • JANUARY 2023