Subscription packages for the 2012-2013 season of the University Arts Series are on sale now. This season features 22 events and a wide array of internationally-touring and professional performances. Audiences will experience the spectacular sights and sounds of Blue Man Group, the incomparable voice of Martina McBride, the exciting acrobatics of Traces, the intricate choreography of Pilobolus and the hilarious family dysfunction of The Addams Family. This is just a selection of the many performances that are part of the University Arts Series this season.
Subscription packages begin with five events and may be purchased 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 22 events offered.
The Series line-up includes:
Time for Three, Sept. 5—Zach De Pue (violin), Nick Kendall (violin) and Ranaan Meyer (double bass) comprise this self-proclaimed “garage band.” Classically trained at Philadelphia’s Curtis institute for music, the three bring a passion for improvisation, composition and arrangement to their stage performances. Time for Three (Tf3 for short) boasts a varied repertoire of music that includes classical, country-western, gypsy, jazz and the occasional hip-hop riff—all performed with astonishing technical acuity.
American Idiot, Sept. 7—Based on Green Day’s Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum rock album, American Idiot boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before. Direct from Broadway, this smash-hit musical tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Their quest for true meaning in a post-9/11 world leads them on the most exhilarating theatrical journey of the season.
Blue Man Group, Oct. 5, Oct. 6—Blue Man Group is best known for its wildly popular theatrical shows which combine comedy, music and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. Intensely exciting and wildly outrageous, with no spoken language, Blue Man Group is perfect for people of all ages, languages and cultures.
Jackson Browne, Oct. 15—Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most moving songs in popular music. He has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. Brown’s countless classic hits include “Doctor My Eyes,” “Rock Me on the Water,” “Jamaica Say You Will” and “Somebody’s Baby.” California’s quintessential singer/songwriter is sure to deliver a memorable night of music with this solo acoustic performance.
Martina McBride, Oct. 20—Famous for her ballads and soprano range, Martina McBride’s career has reached breathtaking heights. The award-winning singer’s blend of pop and country has produced an endless array of hits, including “Wild Angels,” “Blessed,” “Wrong Again” and “I Love You.”
Dionne Warwick, Nov. 9—A cornerstone of American pop music and culture, Grammy Award-winning Dionne Warwick has entertained audiences around the world for more than 50 years. Her endless list of hits includes “Say A Little Prayer,” “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again,” “Anyone Who Had A Heart,” “That’s What Friends Are For” and “What The World Needs Now.”
A Chorus Line, Nov. 7—A Chorus Line is the Tony Award-winning story of 17 dancers auditioning for the chance of a lifetime. This is the musical for everyone who has ever had a dream. The audience will follow along on with every drop of sweat, every hour of training and every day of the dancers’ lives and be treated to “One” singular sensation!
Jim Brickman, Dec. 11—The best-selling solo pianist of our time, Jim Brickman brings his “On a Winter’s Night” concert to the Creative Arts Center to celebrate the warmth and humor of the holiday season. Brickman’s performances strike the perfect balance between raw emotion, musical intimacy and audience interaction. This twice Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling songwriter has performed in 125 cities and is known for his collaborations with Kenny Loggins and Michael W. Smith.
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Dec. 13—The holiday favorite that’s entertained audiences around the world for two decades returns to Morgantown in celebration of its 20th anniversary! Internationally renowned for its exquisite showmanship, lavish costumes and commitment to the rich tradition of Russian classical dance, this new production, performed to Tchaikovsky’s famous score, features a spectacular new number and a “growing” Christmas tree.
West Side Story, Jan. 10—More than 50 years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it’s back and mesmerizing audiences once again as the National Tour of West Side Story comes to Morgantown. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”
Pilobolus, Jan. 15—Pilobolus explores an alternative form of contemporary dance through one of the most popular and varied bodies of work in the history of dance. Pilobolus employs the human body as pure sculptural matter, incorporating dance, gymnastics, performance art and shadow play into their works. The company’s distinctive choreography and gravity-defying formations challenge the limits of the human body and leave audiences enthralled.
Canadian Brass, Jan. 25—The internationally renowned Canadian Brass are masters of concert presentations with consummate imagination and musicianship. Audiences will enjoy brass standards as well as a wide-ranging repertoire of original arrangements created specifically for the group, including works of Renaissance and Baroque masters, classical pieces, marches, ragtime, Dixieland, big band, Broadway and popular standards.
Traces, Feb. 13—Traces combines awe-inspiring acrobatics with infectious urban energy, this thrilling modern brand of circus is infused with the energy of street performance. The artists of Traces employ every trick in the book—from music, dance, and illustration to skateboarding, basketball, and high-risk acrobatics—to make a lasting impression. Traces is 90 minutes of heart-stopping acrobatics and unbridled energy that will leave audiences breathless and exhilarated!
ABBA, The Concert, March 3—ABBA, the Concert, featuring Waterloo the band, was formed in 1996 and has become famous for its fantastic ABBA sound and its stunning ABBA-esque performance. This two-hour musical extravaganza follows ABBA’s phenomenal career from their Eurovision beginnings in 1974 to their sold-out performances at such notable venues as London’s Royal Albert Hall. Celebrate the world’s greatest pop band as you sing and dance to “Mamma Mia!,” “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo” and more!
Kodo, March 18—Kodo are masters of the ancient tradition of taiko drumming. Their “One Earth Tour 2012-2013” is a celebration of Japanese performance arts and a message of shared humanity, environmental awareness and peace. Kodo promises an evening of heart-pounding, bone-shaking percussion not to be missed!
Elvis Lives, April 1—Elvis Lives is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis’ life. Featuring finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, this production showcases each performer portraying Elvis in one of four eras: the 1950s, 1960s, his movie career and his concert years. This complete musical package features a live band, back-up singers and iconic imagery made available from the Graceland archives.
Voca People, April 7—Voca People is the phenomenal vocal theater performance that has taken New York by surprise. This thrilling new musical adventure combines amazing vocal sounds and a cappella singing with the art of modern beat box which imitates the sounds of drums, trumpets, guitars, and other instruments and musical effects. Full of energy and bursting with fun, the entire family will be mesmerized by the Voca People versions of songs by Madonna, Queen and even Mozart!
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Cinderella, April 28—One of the most exciting ballet companies in the United States, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has built a legacy of excellence and innovation since its founding in 1969. Audience members of all ages will find “happily ever after” in this enchanting story of Cinderella. Featuring the stunning choreography of Septime Webre, this fairy tale classic will delight with lavish costumes, dazzling sets and Sergei Prokofiev’s magnificent score.
Hair, May 1—The new Tony-winning production of Hair is an electric celebration on stage! This exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old. Hair features an extraordinary cast and unforgettable songs, including “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Good Morning, Starshine” and “Easy To Be Hard.”
Dreamgirls, May 7—The sensational new production of Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s girl singing group and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.”
Don McLean, June 8—Don McLean is one of America’s most enduring singer-songwriters. He is best known for “American Pie” and “Vincent (Starry Starry Night).” Since first hitting the charts in 1971, McLean has amassed more than 40 gold and platinum records worldwide and was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2004. This promises to be an unforgettable evening of music.
The Addams Family, June 16—The Addams Family is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. This magnificently macabre new musical comedy will celebrate Father’s Day with every father’s worst nightmare. Wednesday Addams is bringing her first boyfriend home to meet the family (and he’s perfectly “normal”).
Series subscription packages are on sale now 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.
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 July 31st to keep their seating priority 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 August 15th at 10 a.m.
The University Art Series is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For tickets and subscription information, call 304-293-SHOW or visit us online at events.wvu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/wvuevents and Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wvuevents.
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CONTACT: David Ryan, WVU Arts & Entertainment
304.293.8222; David.Ryan@mail.wvu.edu
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