Celebrate the January arts scene with chances to win tickets to 5 great events
Have you shaken off the last, dandruff-like flakes of holiday lethargy? Are you ready to charge into the new cultural year?
The good news is that I’m here to keep you informed with previews, features and reviews. The even better news is that I am giving tickets away for a bunch of great stuff in January. You could go for free to:
Pictured above: The national tour of ‘Finding Neverland.’ Photo: Broadway in Fresno
• A Keyboard Concerts performance featuring powerhouse pianist Claire Hunagci.
• Opening night of the national tour of “Finding Neverland” (plus dinner for two and parking at Cosmopolitan tavern and Grill).
• A lecture from Gen. John F. Kelly, former presidential chief of staff.
• An opening-weekend performance of the Good Company Players production of “Something Rotten!”
• The next Fresno Philharmonic Masterworks concert, this one celebrating Beethoven.
And I’m putting all these giveaways into one post to make it easier for busy arts lovers to enter.
This also coincides with my new-year membership drive, in which I hope to add FIFTEEN new monthly members/donors to my already faithful roll-call of supporters who make this ongoing experiment in non-profit professional arts journalism possible.
Here are the ground rules:
Ticket giveaways are open only to members, donors and individual sponsors of The Munro Review. A free basic membership is available, and paid memberships start at $5 a month. (You can always opt for a one-time donation of as little as $3.) I love signing up new free members, but even better is adding members who are willing to financially support local arts journalism. It’s the only way this site can continue to stay alive. Memberships and donations are tax-deductible; this is a non-profit site under the fiscal sponsorship of the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC). To become a member, click here.
To enter, follow the directions for each giveaway (and be sure to tell me which production you’re hoping for). Note the deadlines; they differ for each event. You’re welcome to enter for multiple events, but please leave a separate comment for each entry. You’ll find the comment field near the bottom of the page (just past my bio).
OK, let’s dive in to what’s available. Productions and concerts are listed by opening date:
Keyboard Concerts presents Claire Huangci

Claire Huangci performs Friday, Jan. 10, at Fresno State.
Presenter: Philip Lorenz International Keyboard Concert Series.
Venue: Fresno State Concert Hall.
Performance: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.
What to expect: Claire Huangci is another in the long line of world-class pianists to drop by the renowned Keyboard Concerts series at Fresno State. The American-born pianist has ties to China through her immigrant parents. In 2018 she won first prize at the prestigious Géza Anda International Piano Competition in Zürich, Switzerland. Her program includes Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C-sharp minor and Schubert’s Sonata in A major.
The giveaway: a pair of tickets to the concert.
How to enter: Leave a comment on this post answering this question: Have you ever been to China? (Or, if you’re too shy to share, just tell me you want to attend the performance.)
Deadline to enter: 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9.
‘Finding Neverland’ (plus dinner for two at Cosmo)

A scene from the national tour of ‘Finding Neverland.’
Presenter: Broadway in Fresno.
Venue: Saroyan Theatre.
Opening: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Runs through: Wednesday, Jan. 15.
What to expect: Amazing food at Cosmo, of course. As far as the production goes, “Finding Neverland” follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired “Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.” This musical recreates the Broadway production’s original choreography by Diane Paulus.
The giveaway: In addition to a pair of tickets to opening night, the winner will receive dinner for two from the wonderful folks at Cosmopolitan Tavern and Italian Grill, conveniently located in the corner of the Fresno Convention Center complex. Plus, you’ll get free parking for the evening as well. .
How to enter: Leave a comment on this post answering this question: If you could fly, would you consider delivering packages for Amazon? (Or, if you’re too shy to share, just tell me you want to see the show.)
Deadline to enter: 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.
Gen. John F. Kelly
Presenter: San Joaquin Valley Town Hall Lecture Series.
Venue: Saroyan Theatre.
Lecture: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15.
What to expect: Gen John F. Kelly, a former chief of staff to President Donald Trump, will discuss “Geopolitics: Our Future on the Global Stage.” (“He will not bash nor discuss Trump by name, only how he worked
within the system,” says Lynn Baldwin, president of Town Hall.
The giveaway: a pair of tickets to the lecture.
How to enter: Leave a comment on this post answering this question: Would you want to be the White House chief of staff? (Or, if you’re too shy to share, just tell me you want to attend the lecture.)
Deadline to enter: 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.
‘Something Rotten!’
Presenter: Good Company Players.
Venue: Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater.
Opening: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16.
Runs through: March 15.
What to expect: A wacky, big-hearted musical comedy set in Shakespeare’s era. In this version, the Bard is a swaggering celebrity who is treated like a rock star. To compete, two brothers try to write the world’s first musical, with predictably disastrous results. This mash-up of musical-theater and Shakespearean tropes gets its local premiere after a visit from the national Broadway tour in 2019. Here is a video interview and musical performance with “Rotten” stars Jacob Phelen and Shawn Williams. Coverage starts at the 20:40 mark:
The giveaway: a pair of show-only tickets to any performance opening weekend.
How to enter: Leave a comment on this post answering this question: If you were buying tickets to a show on title alone, would you choose “Hamlet” or “Omelette”? (Or, if you’re too shy to share, just tell me you want to see the show.)
Deadline to enter: 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13.
Beethoven and Rei

Rei Hotoda conducts and performs on Jan. 19.
Presenter: Fresno Philharmonic.
Venue: Saroyan Theatre.
Performance: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19.
What to expect: The orchestra celebrates the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth with a “triple threat” program. Beethoven was both a political and aesthetic revolutionary. These two aspects of the composer are captured in the overture to his only opera Fidelio and his monumental Eroica Symphony, which was originally dedicated to Napoleon. Plus: Music Director Rei Hotoda and Concertmaster Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio are joined by Julie Albers (Principal Cellist, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra) for Beethoven’s delightful Triple Concerto.
The giveaway: I’m giving away two pairs of tickets to the concert.
How to enter: Leave a comment on this post answering this question: If you could take Beethoven out for one evening, would you take him to a performance of his 9th Symphony or a Rihanna concert? (Or, if you’re too shy to share, just tell me you want to attend the performance.)
Deadline to enter: 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Cleo
Haven’t ever seen Neverland, and the Keyboard Concerts are always exceptional. We would enjoy Tix to Keyboard Jan 10 or Finding Neverland Jan 14-15.
Thanks for continuing to promote the arts that the BEE refuses to recognize are HUGE to the quality of life in Fresno and beyond.
Happy 2020!
Ed Steck
I would probably go see omelette.
Brad Riley
We already have tickets to Pianist Claire Huangci’s concert and the Philharmonic. I’m looking forward to both concerts very much! It’s fantastic we have access to such high quality performers in Central California!
Jennifer
Would love to fly, but don’t want to deliver Amazon packages. Neverland on Tuesday would be lovely.
Susan McAndrew
Hi Donald,
I wouldn’t want to be the chief of staff but I would like to hear Gen Kelly speak next Wed. I served in the Marines myself and I would be delighted to attend his talk.
Thanks
Susan
Susan McAndrew
Regarding Beethoven, I think I’d take him to the Tool concert next Wed. He might like that. And I’d like to attend the Philharmonic celebration of the 250th anniversary of his birth
Thanks
Susan
Steph
Beethoven would be bored with seeing his own symphony again. He died at my age (56) and was of course deaf, so I’d take him to see the eye candy that is Rihanna.
Steph
Finding Neverland? My niece would love it!
And I would NOT deliver for Amazon if I could fly. Sure, I’d have the power of flight, but not the power to carry hundreds of packages while checking addresses!
Leave flying deliveries to Santa. I’ll be at the Cosmo having a cocktail.
Steph
Something Rotten? I’d love it, just because I love Omelettes.
Silvia Fisher
I definitely not deliver Amazon packages.
I would love to see Neverland
Tamara Tackett Dent
I would heartily refuse to fly for Amazon.
I would be delighted, however, to win the Finding Neverland package.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Chris Simmons
If I could fly, I would deliver Amazon only if it could fit in my backpack made of sturdy, lightweight parachute material!
Chris Simmons
Hamlet vs. Omelette? I’m dying of curiosity of what a show called ‘Omelette’ would entail, so I’d have to go with tickets to Omelette!
Jennifer Money
Hmm I would love to fly but I’m not sure I would want to deliver packages for Amazon. I would however love to see See Finding Neverland!
Kim Marks
I would not deliver Amazon packages if I could fly but I’d love to see the show.
Michelle
As much as I love omelettes, I’d have to choose Hamlet!
Michelle
If flying for Amazon meant I was flying relief supplies to Australia and Puerto Rico, then YES, I would absolutely fly for Amazon!
2courtney
I wouldn’t deliver Amazon packages if I could fly. I’d get tired of visiting my own doorstep so often.
Juan Luis
Would love to see Finding Neverland after a great meal. Beats delivering packages for anyone!
2courtney
Definitely Omelette. Especially if it’s a musical.
Jana Conorich
If I could fly I might deliver packages for Amazon…it depends what the pay is. I have student loans to pay off!! I would love for my husband and I to get a very rare night out! And the Cosmo is my fave!
Linda Ramirez
Yes I’ve been to China. So glad to find a Byrger King at the airport after two weeks of Chinese food
Linda Ramirez
Broadway in Fresno. I’d definitely deliver for amazon if I could fly. I like to keep busy.
Linda Ramirez
omelette sounds eggciting.
Linda Ramirez
Rihanna Concert. I think He’d like that.
Kababis@sbcglobal.net
If I could fly, I don’t think I could deliver packages as it would require me to be on time! But I love J.M. Barrie and I promise I would be on time to the show!
Jennolsen79
If I could fly I would totally deliver packages for Amazon! Imagine how much of the world of get paid to see!
Jennolsen79
Omelette vs Hamlet? That’s tough! I don’t want to choose! However I DO want to go see my friend Lyric in Something Rotten!
Allison
Something Rotten is such a fun show! I’d definitely go see Omelette. I’d also love to see Finding Neverland next week.
Javier Cabrera
If I could fly I would definitely leave packages for Amazon in the condition that I am awarded free 1 day shipping for life. Finding Neverland on Wednesday, Jan 15 and dinner would be a dream come true!
Julie
Would only work for AMAZON part time just to earn enough to keep seeing as much theater as possible. Would love to see Finding Neverland!
Javier Cabrera
Omelette of course! The word itself would say to me that this show is funny and delicious at the same time. I would love to attend Something Rotten opening weekend!
Cyndle Cee
I prefer ham over eggs so i would rather see Hamlet
Jim Wilson
I would love to hear General Kelly speak. Maybe HE can make some sense of what’s going on in Washington these days.
Caty
I’d love to deliver Amazon packages 🙂
Caty
Hamlet!
Caty
Rihanna for sure 🙂
Heather
There’s nothing as amazing as a musical! Omelette for sure😁
Ebirrell
I would love to be whisked away by Finding Neverland ! And I most certainly would not be delivering any packages unless it came with a cute outfit !
Ebirrell
Hamlet or Omlette -that is the question ! 🙂 Tis nobler to just eat something rotten !
Emily A
Flying and delivering packages for Amazon- – sounds like a nice side gig!
Definitely go see Omlette…and bring some eggs to throw, just in case!
Beethoven would love to see something modern. I’d take him to Rihanna.
Kristie
I prefer to be on the receiving end of Amazon packages! Would love to take my daughter to see Neverland. Thanks for doing these giveaways!
Gina Leong
Would love to see Finding Neverland! If I could fly, I’d deliver some Amazon packages. I love getting them so why not spread the joy myself! 🙂
Kristy Page
I’d love to see Neverland! Flying? Not so much.
Gina Leong
Would love to see Something Rotten! Omelette sounds good. 🙂
Barbara Mecca
I would love to fly with Peter Pan in Finding Neverland! But I’d rather deliver Disney packages over Amazon ones.
Barbara Mecca
I wouldn’t want to be WH Chief of Staff but would enjoy listening to someone who took that job on!
Gloria
If I could fly? Where would I fly to, what could I do? Not for Amazon delivery! But I would fly to see Finding Neverland!
John
I would love to see “Finding Neverland.” I would most definitely fly for Amazon. I think about the joy I get whenever I receive an order packet and would like to spread that joy to others.
Gloria
I’ve seen Something Rotten, but I’d love to see the local production! I would chose Hamlet over Omlet.
Gloria
I think Beethoven would enjoy the experience of a Rihanna concert more than his own. Why? I don’t know why I just do.
Paige Addington
The thought of being able to fly is amazing but being a human Amazon drone might take some of the Joy out of flying the friendly skies.,
Rei has been a gift to Fresno, and as much as I would want Beethoven to see her in action, I think taking him to a Rihanna concert with offered earplugs, would be pretty cool. I just want to observe the 1st reaction.
Stephanie Briones
I would like to be in the drawing for Finding Neverland tickets. No I wouldn’t deliver for Amazon, with all the Prime deliveries I would never get to enjoy my location!
Kevin Conorich
Getting to fly then choosing to use that ability for Amazon? No thanks. Have always wanted to see Finding Neverland and the Cosmo is the best!
Kevin Conorich
Omelette definitely! Everyone loves a good train wreck
Jan Forbes
Never been to China.
Nor have I been to Oklahoma…but that’s a different story.
And season tickets to the keyboard concerts is something I also don’t have, as well as plans for tonight, so this would be a fantastic way to end the first week back to school!
Jeanne Antrim
I would obviously see Hamlet and Eggs 🙂
Jeanne Antrim
I would gladly deliver for Amazon anywhere in the world where I could dive into another culture and meet locals 🙂
Alice J Pierson-Knapp
I would definitely choose Omelette! and Rihanna!!
Barbara Volker
Would love to see “Something Rotten”. Definitely Hamlet is my choice.
Holly
I would love to see Finding Neverland! I’m not fond of delivering packages though.
linda
John Kelly should have lots to say! would be interested in hearing him. . Never [yet] been to China but let’s build some more musical bridges! . . .
and definitely “Omelette” . . . sounds like a very fun show!
Amelia Romero
If I could fly, I’d definitely deliver packages to amazon.. however I’m a little concerned about how I’d carry the packages. Do I get a sleigh and red bag to go with my new talent? If so- then Id accept my calling as year-round, new age Santa in a heart beat. (Thanks for the giveaway oppportunity!)
Amelia Romero
I’d love to see a show called Omlette. With stuff as wacky as Urinetown, why not add Omlette to the list of shows I’ve seen!
Melissa Robles
I’d love to see finding Neverland. I think I’d have to pass on delivering amazon packages, unless I could just do an air drop and not have to land for each delivery.
Rjptheatre
If I could fly I would definitely think about working for Amazon only becouse I think flying humans is better then flying drons and droids. However I really just think that my direction maybe off cause I never end up Finding Never Land ;).
Rjptheatre
Omlette + Hamlet two shows one brunch 😉 Would love to see good company players never have seen one of their shows.
Zeke
I would like to watch Finding Neverland. If I had the talent to fly I would fly for Amazon. If one has a talent it should be shared with others.
Michele R.
I would love to see “Finding Neverland” and the Philharmonic is always a lovely way to spend an afternoon. As for flying for Amazon, I don’t think any magical powers could keep up with the delivery demand.
Catherine Dunlap
Finding Neverland! I could never deliver for Amazon though, I am always late!
Celeste DeMonte
I would love to see Neverland and dine at Cosmopolitan. I would definitely not waste my ability to fly delivering packages for Amazon! I’d see the world.
Celeste DeMonte
I am very interested to hear what John F. Kelly has to say. I would try to live up to the challenge of being the White House chief of staff for an administration I truly believed could make a positive and lasting difference for the people of the United States and the world.
Celeste DeMonte
I always enjoy Good Company Players’ terrific productions at Roger Rocka’s and would love to see Something’s Rotten! To keep a sense humor and curiosity in my life, I would choose “Omelette”, and study Hamlet later.
Dave
Finding Neverland. Flying would be great but those Amazon delivery guys have to work to hard.
Jacob Wilson
I would love to see Finding Neverland!
Haley
Am I too late? Hope not! I would not work for Amazon because I think they’re the WORST. But I might help sustainable, small companies deliver their products!
Haley
Also…I would watch Hamlet. Because why not watch it for the 1729 time. (Also cause my dad started writing a play called Omelette that is a modern version of Hamlet that takes place in a diner and I have a feeling it’s not great and definitely doesn’t even have a second act yet.)
Ben
1. I woukd LOVE to be chief of staff, especially at this point in history, though my health would surely suffer and I am sure I get arrested. I’d then write a musical comedy (dark) about the experience – along the lines of sweeny Todd. Then a tell-all book which would made into a movie. Along the lines of the Dick Cheney film.
2. I wouldn’t fly for Amazon – for fear of being shot at! Can you imagine? And we thought July 4th was bad…
3. Well, how could one resist a production titled omelette? Unless it was as flavorless as Waitress was… but surely not!
drkilljoyipresume
I would love to see Finding Neverland and would absolutely fly for Amazon.
Janet Baker
I would only want to be chief of staff in a White House where I would be taken seriously. If I could organize staff and methods for them to be adequately trained and listened to, and qualified to do their jobs. So in another white household or the Shangri-La White House I would be great. I would like to hear from Kelly to compare to to Admiral Stavridis a couple of years ago, whose words and predictions have come to fruition.
Becky R
Omelette! I’ve seen Hamlet many times over the years, so I’d prefer to see something new.
lisa b
I think that finding out if the omelette is rotten in Denmark would be interesting.
lisa b
I feel that Beethoven would like to see Rhianna, maybe to get some new vibrations since his hearing is so poor.
John
I would like to watch GCP’s “Something Rotten.” I prefer a title with the word omelette in it because they’re delicious.
Caty Perez
I would love to see Finding Neverland!
Caty Perez
I would love Fresno Phil tickets!
Caty Perez
I would love to see Something Rotten!
Zeke
“Something Rotten” seems like a fun show–would love to watch it. I prefer eating omelettes so I would prefer the show with this word in its title.