Published: August 07, 2008 05:23 pm            

ISU Performing Arts Series to feature wide variety of programs

TERRE HAUTE — The Indiana State University Performing Arts Series will feature a wide variety of programs for its 2008-2009 series ranging from dance and musicals to the recollections of an Academy Award-winning actress.

The season begins with the Koresh Dance Company performing at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 in Tilson Auditorium.

Philadelphia’s Koresh Dance Company has been hailed as an extraordinary force on the national dance scene. Founded in 1991 by Israeli-born choreographer and artistic director Ronen Koresh, this troupe presents its audiences with an exciting and emotional blend of ballet, modern and jazz, molded into a style of choreography that is both eloquent and explosive.

Get ready for an evening of song- and story inspired Midwestern history on Nov. 21. Wilderness Plots — in word and song — captures the hardships, ironies and aspirations of early pioneer life in the Ohio Valley. This unique project, featuring the written word of renowned author Scott Russell Sanders and original songs by Tim Grimm, Carrie Newcomer, Krista Detor, Tom Roznowski and Michael White, provides a true glimpse into history.

Enjoy an evening with Academy Award-winning actress Shirley Jones on Jan. 29, 2009. There’s more to Jones than “The Partridge Family.”

She was cast by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II as the female lead in the film adaptation of their hit play “Oklahoma!” in 1955.

Jones and her musically-trained voice appeared in other musicals, including “Carousel,” “April Love” and “The Music Man.”

Best known for her role with “The Partridge Family,” which aired on ABC television from 1970-1974, she has appeared in several Broadway productions.

Jones also has appeared in several made-for-television movies and on several episodes of “The Drew Carey Show” in 1988-1989.

She can be seen playing Colleen Brady on the long-running NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”

Get ready to laugh out loud when William Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” hits the stage Feb. 16, 2009.

One of Shakespeare’s funniest plays, “Comedy of Errors” also has been called his most accessible and is filled with surprises and intrigue. The plot revolves around two pairs of identical twins who are separated during a shipwreck. When all four men end up years later in Ephesus at the same time, the resulting chaos is bawdy Bard at his best.

The trials and tribulations of romance is in the air March 17, 2009, when the musical comedy “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change‚” comes to Terre Haute.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” features everything you ever secretly thought about dating, marriage and all that comes with it, but were afraid to admit. A talented group of actors plays several different characters who explore sex, dating, marriage, parenthood and other various trials and tribulations associated with romance as we progress through life.

A bonus series, called In the Spotlight, showcases three additional productions.

The Contemporary Music Festival concert, featuring the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, is the first act of the Spotlight series. The concert, scheduled for Nov. 14, showcases the 35-member orchestra under the direction of maestro Kirk Trevor. In keeping with its mission, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra performs music that most audiences have traditionally had few opportunities to hear in live performance.

“Mooseltoe” will be performed Dec. 10, just in time for the holidays. A lovable moose and his friends come to life in this colorful, magical and whimsical musical tale. Follow our hero as he pursues his seemingly impossible dream of flying while learning many valuable lessons along the way — lessons that are important for us all.

This sparkling new production has 16 unforgettable costumed characters that include three snobby penguins, a snowman and a fat walrus named Willy, not to mention two elves and Santa Claus himself. Eight original, delightful and melodic songs accompany this hour-long odyssey of self-discovery. Children and adults alike will embrace and cheer for our lovable hero, Mooseltoe.

The season wraps up March 27, 2009, with the “Performing Arts Showcase.” This fast-paced concert will highlight the many ISU performing organizations.

All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Tilson Auditorium.

Season tickets are $80 and $20 for the Spotlight Series. ISU students are admitted free with a valid student ID. Tickets are available at the Hulman Center Ticket Office or by calling 1-877-ISU-TIXS.

        

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