Subscription packages for the 2011-2012 season of the University Arts Series go on sale Tuesday, July 5.
The 20-event series promises a little something for everyone, including performances by legendary songstresses Gladys Knight and Loretta Lynn. Concerts by Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Patrizio Buanne and Straight No Chaser are also on tap.
For the musical lovers, the University Arts Series offers the national tours of Rock of Ages, Shrek the Musical and In the Heights, as well as Young Frankenstein and The Color Purple.
The series also includes performances for the entire family, including the return of the timeless Great Russian Nutcracker, the explosive new Cirque Dreams production Pop Goes the Rock and the incredible violin ensemble Bowfire. This is just a selection of the many spectacular, internationally-touring, professional performances that are part of the University Arts Series this season.
All events will take place at the WVU Creative Arts Center at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Subscription packages begin with five events and may be purchased, starting July 5, in person at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by phone at 304-293-SHOW (7469). Subscribers may create their own package from the 20 events offered.
Vince Gill, Sept. 7: One of country music’s most accomplished and dominant stars, two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Vince Gill has achieved an astonishing number of accolades with his repertoire of hit songs, such as “Liza Jane,” “What the Cowgirls Do” and “I Still Believe In You.”
Momix, Sept. 15: For the past 20 years, the spectacular company of dancers/illusionists that comprise Momix has been celebrated for its ability to conjure up a world of surrealistic images, using props, light shadow, humor and the human body. Its new production, “Botanica,” is a window into nature’s ever-changing imagery amid an eclectic and riveting score that ranges from birdsong to Vivaldi.
Patrizio Buanne, Sept. 25: Sophisticated, charming, stylish and romantic, Italian crooner Patrizio Buanne is poised to take on the world with his silky “voice of romance.” His talent for reviving classic Italian songs in a dual-language pop fashion has helped him gain respect and admiration across the globe. Patrizio returns to Morgantown after a successful show to re-open the historic Metropolitan Theatre.
South Pacific, Oct. 24: The breathtaking new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s beloved South Pacific is based on the 2008 Tony Award winning Lincoln Center Theater production. Set on a tropical island during World War II, this musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war.
Gladys Knight, Nov. 12: Seven-time Grammy Award-winner and legendary Empress of Soul Gladys Knight has been captivating audiences around the world since her early days as lead vocalist of Gladys Knight and the Pips. Her unparalleled career includes more than 38 albums, and such classic hits as “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “If I Were Your Woman.”
Michael McDonald, Nov. 18: Five-time Grammy Award-winner Michael McDonald has been a fixture of American music for more than three decades. From his early work with Steely Dan, through his prosperous years with The Doobie Brothers and on to his incredible solo career, this blue-eyed soul singer has been internationally recognized for his contributions to the music industry.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Dec. 2: Celebrate the holidays with Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker and make memories that the entire family will cherish for a lifetime. Internationally renowned for its exquisite showmanship and lavish costumes, the Moscow Ballet boasts a company of more than 40 dancers trained in the rich tradition of Russian classical dance. This production has sold out each time it has traveled to Morgantown, so get your tickets early!
Shrek the Musical, Jan. 18 & 19: Shrek the Musical, based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings to life on stage the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre. Featuring a terrific score of 19 all-new songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, Shrek the Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and irreverent fun for all!
Rock of Ages, Jan. 22: In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in Los Angeles’ most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s. The five-time Tony Award-nominated Rock of Ages is an arena-rock love story told through the mind blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Styx, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and many more.
Air Supply, Feb. 12: The legendary pop duo Air Supply is still inspiring waves of romantic frenzy across the globe three decades after their debut smash-hits, including “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love,” and “Even the Nights are Better.” The trademark sound of Russell Hitchcock’s soaring tenor voice and Graham Russell’s simple, yet majestic, songs have garnered the duo millions of fans and helped them become a staple of ‘80s radio.
The Color Purple, Feb. 26: The Color Purple is a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspirational story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Critics rave about this landmark theatrical event, calling it a “roof-raising story of triumph!”
Cirque Dreams Pop Goes the Rock, Mar. 4: Pop Goes the Rock by Cirque Dreams is a roller-coaster ride of twists, turns and wows! ? a new musical of unexpected sights and sounds that explode on stage like a rock n’ roll party set in a carnival funhouse. Relive popular and timeless tunes with a kaleidoscope of Cirque Dreams talent, extravagant costumes and theatrical mayhem. This family-friendly show will pull out all the stops!
Come Fly Away, Mar. 6: Come Fly Away is the new Broadway musical that brings together the legendary vocals of Frank Sinatra and the creative vision of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (Movin’ Out). As 14 of the world’s best dancers tell the story of four couples falling in and out of love, you will experience a host of emotions, set to the sizzling sound of a live on-stage big band and beloved Sinatra classics “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” and many more.
Burn the Floor, Mar. 20: The international dance sensation Burn the Floor visits the Creative Arts Center direct from its record-breaking run on Broadway! From Harlem’s hot nights at The Savoy, where dances such as the Foxtrot and Charleston were born, to the Latin Quarter where the Cha Cha and Rumba steamed up the stage, this fiery musical takes audiences on a journey through the passionate drama of dance. It’s Ballroom. Reinvented.
Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble, Mar. 24: With a colorful mixture of gravity-defying maneuvers, speedy footwork and perfect symphony, the Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble will present a marvelous treat for your eyes and ears! Under the direction of Colonel Nikolai Rabovsky, the incomparable RSRA will take you on a brilliant journey of Russian music and traditional folk songs.
Loretta Lynn, Apr. 1: Loretta Lynn has fashioned a body of work so culturally significant that just hearing her name elicits the phrase “American icon.” As the first female to win Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards, she has paved the way for fellow female country music stars for decades. Best known for her signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” – and the corresponding album, autobiography and Academy Award-winning film – Lynn’s instantly recognizable delivery is one of the greatest country music voices in history.
Straight No Chaser, Apr. 25: Straight No Chaser, an all-male a cappella group, is neither straight-laced nor straight-faced, but neither is it vaudeville-style kitsch. Originally formed in 1996 at Indiana University, the group has reassembled and reemerged as a full-blown phenomenon. In an era when pop music tends to be a product of digital processing and vocal pro-tooling, the captivating sound of 10 unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music is the real deal.
Young Frankenstein, May 3: Mel Brooks’ wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to create a monster – but not without scary and hilarious complications. The sensational cast delivers all your favorite moments from the classic film, plus brand-new show-stopping numbers for the stage, including “Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Young Frankenstein is a “blissfully funny Monster Mash,” raves the New York Post.
Bowfire, May 17: Bowfire brings the violin to a whole new level in a musical theatrical production that has critics raving and audiences leaping to their feet again and again. Featuring a lineup of the finest fiddle and violin virtuosos ever assembled on stage, Bowfire takes audiences on a musical journey, mixing in incredible step and tap dancing along the way. This energy-packed performance is must-see entertainment for the whole family.
In the Heights, May 30: The 2011-2012 University Arts Series season will conclude with a groundbreaking 21st Century musical. In the Heights, which won Best Musical at the 2008 Tony Awards, tells the moving and funny story about a community of hard-working immigrants seeking a better life and trying to find their place—their home—in their new country. Experience the next chapter of the classic American story. This musical is recommended for mature audiences.
Series subscription packages go on sale on July 5 at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices or by calling 304-293-SHOW (7469). All performances are held in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre of the WVU Creative Arts Center and begin at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Ticket prices vary by event. Discounts are based on the number of shows purchased. Series ticket prices include sales tax and/or box office fees. Packages begin with a minimum of five events. Current season subscribers must subscribe by Friday, July 29 to keep their seats from last season. Current subscribers will be receiving their season brochures in the coming week. Additional brochures are available at 304-293-SHOW and order forms may be downloaded from events.wvu.edu. Individual tickets will go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 17.
The University Art Series is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For more event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit us online at events.wvu.edu.
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CONTACT: Alison Daly, WVU Arts & Entertainment
304.293.8222; Alison.Daly@mail.wvu.edu
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