Wednesday 17 July 2013

Chicago, “Mamma Mia” among Highlights for Arts Center

Performances by Chicago, Dwight Yoakam and LeAnn Rimes, as well as stage productions of “Rock of Ages,” “Mamma Mia” and “The Addams Family” are among the highlights of the 2013-14 season at the EKU Center for the Arts.

The schedule for the Center’s third season also includes concerts by “Weird Al” Yankovic, Rockapella and Jim Brickman. Other musicals on tap include “Man of La Mancha” “A Christmas Carol” and “Flashdance the Musical.”

The lineup also features musical tributes to Pink Floyd, Queen, the Bee Gees and The Beatles (“Rain”).

Rounding out the 2013-14 season will be: The Spencers Theatre of Illusion, Cirque Eloize Cirkopolis, Dinosaur Train Live, Irish Chamber Orchestra, ballet performances of “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake,” Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre, Sid the Science Kid Live, Golden Dragon Acrobats, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “Hamlet,” and Handel’s “Messiah,” performed by the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra.

“We’re very excited about this year’s lineup,” said Jill Price, interim director of the Center. “There’s truly something for all interests and ages, and we look forward to welcoming guests from throughout Kentucky and beyond for what we believe is our best season yet.”

Last season, approximately 35,000 guests (not counting school showings and other special events) attended EKU Center for the Arts programs.

In addition to individual event tickets, five different ticket packages are available, including packages devoted to Broadway, families, children and the rock music shows. The packages offer up to a 20 percent discount over individual event ticket purchases. Those who purchase the Signature Series (every show) receive preferred seating, free parking and a 50 percent supper club discount (on a space-available basis). Costs for the Signature Series range from $1,012.70 to $1,283.90.

A complimentary shuttle bus service to and from the Alumni Coliseum lot (across the Eastern By-Pass from the Center) is available for all events.

Subscription (package) tickets will go on sale (phone or box office only) on Wednesday, June 19. Individual event tickets will go on sale (phone, box office and online) on Monday, July 15.

To see a complete description of events, season packages and associated costs, visit EKUCenter.com. For more information about the 2013-14 ticket season, call 859-622-SHOW or 1-855-EKU-SHOW (358-7469), or visit the Center’s box office, which is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

Patrons can also enjoy a pre-event meal at the EKU Supper Club prior to select performances. Seating is limited, and reservations must be made in advance.

Details about programming specifically for school audiences will be announced later.

The complete 2013-14 schedule, along with ticket cost range for each individual event, follows (all times 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated):

Sept. 13, The Spencers Theatre of Illusion, described as modern-day Houdinis, blending theatrical elements of Broadway with rock-concert energy, $30.

Sept. 18, Chicago, one of the most successful bands of all time, with 21 top-10 singles and five consecutive No. 1 albums, $57-$87.

Sept. 20-21, Cirque Eloize Cirkopolis, blending worlds of circus, dance and theatre, Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., $47-$62.

Sept. 27-28, Flashdance the Musical, the movie comes to life on stage with electrifying dance numbers, Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., $47-$77.

Oct. 4, Dwight Yoakam, the Kentucky native who has sold more than 25 million records and whose 2012 album, “Three Pears,” earned widespread critical acclaim, $50.50-$70.50.

Oct. 10, “Weird Al” Yankovic, “The Alpocopalypse Tour,” and Grammy Award winning musician/comedian, $39-$49.

Oct. 24, Jive Talkin’ Bee Gees Tribute, a trio paying tribute to the hitmakers who spanned decades and musical genres with many memorable songs, $40-$52.

Nov. 2, Dinosaur Train Live!, a stage show based on the Jim Henson Company-produced PBS children’s program that embraces the fascination kids have with dinosaurs and trains, $25.

Nov. 5, Irish Chamber Orchestra, a renowned ensemble that shares the stage with two of the world’s most celebrated flutists, Lady Jeanne and Sir James Galway, $45.50-$75.50.

Nov. 12, Rockapella, one of the world’s most sophisticated and enduring vocal pop groups, $25-$35.

Nov. 20, Jim Brickman, “The Love Tour,” featuring the award-winning pianist, $35-$45.

Dec. 7-8, “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Lexington Ballet, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., $25-$35.

Dec. 8, Handel’s “Messiah,” Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, with the Lexington Chamber Chorale and guest soloists, $25-$40.

Dec. 10, “A Christmas Carol,” a celebrated adaptation of the Dickens classic, performed by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, $35-$45.

Dec. 14, LeAnn Rimes, performing a combination of her biggest hits, new songs and holiday favorites, $50.50-$70.50.

Jan. 15, “Swan Lake,” performed by the Moscow Festival Ballet, featuring leading dancers from across Russia, $30-$45.

Jan. 18, Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre, a family-oriented blend of comedy, juggling and performing pets. Each of the show’s 15 cats and 10 dogs were once strays, rescued from animal shelters, 3 p.m., $30.

Jan. 25, Sid The Science Kid Live, bringing to life the popular PBS children’s show produced by the Jim Henson Company, $25.

Feb. 1, “The Addams Family,” the smash-hit musical comedy that brings to life one of the strangest clans ever to fill a television or movie screen, 3 and 7:30 p.m., $45.50-$85.50.

Feb. 13, Golden Dragon Acrobats, showcasing traditional Chinese acrobats, dance and costumes, electrifying music and modern theatrical techniques, $30-$45.

Feb. 18, “Man of La Mancha,” an all-new production complete with the Tony Award-winning score and book, $47-$77.

Feb. 26, “Rock of Ages,” the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical blending classic arena-rock songs with a love story, $50.50-$70.50.

March 5, The Pink Floyd Experience, a tribute performance of the ground-breaking group’s biggest hits, complete with dazzling light and video show, $35-$60.

March 8, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” a romantic and magical tale filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers, 3 and 7:30 p.m., $35.50-$85.50.

March 19, “Hamlet,” the Shakespeare favorite performed by The Acting Company, America’s premier touring repertory theater, $35-$50.

March 22 and 23, “Mamma Mia,” the Broadway musical reprising the timeless music of 70s pop greats ABBA, Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., $45.50-$75.50.

March 26, One Night of Queen, performed by Gary Mullen & The Works, a theatrical concert paying homage to one of the greatest bands of all time, complete with dazzling lighting and special effects, $35-$52.

April 6, Experience the Beatles with Rain, including complex and challenging songs The Beatles never performed on stage, $45.50-$65.50.