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The Capitol Fools perform at Nazareth Arts Center on New Year's Eve & Garth Fagan Dance returns in spring 2026

Tickets to three headliners all are on sale TODAY at 10 a.m.

Rochester, NY (10/01/2025) — The Nazareth University Arts Center welcomes back two of its most popular acts as the next headliners in the return of the Nazareth Arts Center series. The Capital Fools, masters of political and current events satire, take the Nazareth Callahan Theater stage on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with two shows at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Garth Fagan Dance returns to Nazareth Arts Center for its 55th Anniversary Performance Celebration, May 7-10, 2026, marking a historic milestone for the internationally acclaimed company.

Comedian and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell's Whose with me? Tour was announced as the first headliner with his show on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m., at Nazareth Arts Center's Callahan Theater.

Tickets for W. Kamau Bell, Capitol Fools, and Garth Fagan Dance go on sale at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 1, at the Nazareth Arts Center Box Office - online or by phone: 585-389-2170.

The Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to the country's political and social culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that inspire belly laughter. Audiences will see former members of the Capitol Steps performing their beloved sketches, breakneck costume changes, over-the-top impressions, and all-new song parodies reflecting the day's news.

When the Capitol Steps called it quits in 2021 after nearly 40 years, an intrepid group of former Capitol Steps cast members and the cowriter chose not to go quietly into that good night - and just like that, the Capitol Fools were born. The premiere performance took place in Skokie, Illinois, in April 2022. Since then, the Capitol Fools have performed in 26 states and the District of Columbia.

Known for its groundbreaking fusion of modern dance, Afro-Caribbean traditions, ballet, and postmodern dance, Garth Fagan Dance returns to the Nazareth University Arts Center to thrill audiences with works that are at once technically brilliant and emotionally powerful.

The 55th Anniversary Performance Celebration will feature new works by Garth Fagan Dance leadership - Artistic Director Norwood "PJ" Pennewell and Executive Director Natalie Rogers-Cropper - along with beloved revivals by Garth Fagan himself.

This season also celebrates the 86th birthday of visionary founder, Garth Fagan - recipient of numerous awards, including the Tony Award, Olivier Award, and a National Medal of the Arts. Fagan's pioneering choreography has influenced generations of dancers worldwide, and his company remains a beacon of artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural impact.

Nazareth Arts Center is the backdrop for an unforgettable evening that honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks ahead to the future of this extraordinary company.


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