Source: Todd Holmberg, 785-532-6425, trholm@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.k-state.edu/mccain
News release prepared by: Stephanie Jacques, 785-532-3452, sjacques@k-state.edu
Thursday, July 26, 2012
That's entertainment: McCain Auditorium announces 2012-2013 Performance Series
MANHATTAN -- A dash of dinosaur; a bit of swan; a pinch of ogre; and a smidgen of a down-home comedian; blend together with rock, jazz, classical and country music, and it's the recipe for a must-see 2012-2013 season at Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium.
"Every artist and attraction in the series exceeds the highest standard of artistic excellence," said Todd Holmberg, executive director of McCain Auditorium. "Patrons should expect to be challenged and inspired by the realm of wondrous possibility shared by the artists they experience at McCain. Patrons should also expect to purchase tickets early as some shows will sell out."
Holmberg promises patrons an outstanding season that appeals to longtime ticket-holders and those who have never been to the theater. The series features numerous entertaining headliners, fun attractions for the entire family and several must-see Broadway touring shows, he said.
Season tickets for the 2012-2013 performance series are on sale now, while single tickets will be available July 29. K-State students and youth age 18 and under receive 50 percent off general admission ticket prices. Additional discounts are available for military members and K-State faculty and staff. For more information, call the McCain box office at 785-532-6428 or visit http://www.k-state.edu/mccain.
Unless otherwise noted, 2012-2013 performance series events start at 7:30 p.m. and are in the McCain Auditorium. Performances include:
* Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Sunday, Aug. 26. A star as big as Texas itself, Lovett combines celebratory swing, vigorous country soul and storytelling through music.
* Andy McKee, Thursday, Sept. 6, in K-State Student Union's Forum Hall. A Kansas native and YouTube sensation, McKee is one of the world's top acoustic guitarists.
* "The Intergalactic Nemesis," Friday, Sept. 21. The live-action graphic novel creates a mash-up of radio drama and comic book adventure into a theatrical production for the entire family.
* Bill Engvall, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday Oct. 5. A member of the highly popular "Blue Collar Comedy Tour," the popular comedian connects with audiences through everyday humor.
* "Cirque Chinois," Thursday, Oct. 11. From the National Circus of the People's Republic of China, the acclaimed troupe performs eye-popping stunts.
* "Spirituals to Funk," Friday, Oct. 19. Starring Dr. John and the Blind Boys of Alabama, the American music icons explore the connection between jazz, blues and gospel into an exhilarating concert.
* Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-27, in Nichols Hall. Produced by the Actors from the London Stage, the provocative comedy will explore the human desire to belong.
* "Poets and Prayers," Tuesday, Nov. 13. The Turtle Island Quartet and special guest Tierney Sutton blend a little Hendrix, a bit of Coltrane and a lot of beauty into one inspiring concert.
* "A Leahy Family Christmas," Wednesday, Dec 5. The Christmas concert is a whirlwind of fiddle-driven music, dance and song.
* Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," Tuesday, Dec. 11. One of the most beautiful love stories ever told comes to life from the hit Broadway musical.
* "A Chorus Line," Tuesday, Jan 29, 2013. For anyone with a dream, the Broadway musical promises a singular sensation.
* Sweet Honey in the Rock, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. The stirring vocals of six women inspire love, justice, hope and peace out of the rich textures of African-American traditions.
* "DRUMLine Live," Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The performance is a showstopping attraction that brings an explosive energy and athleticism to an eclectic mix of sounds.
* McCain Student Showcase, 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Kansas State University students show off their talents in a celebration of inspiration and achievement.
* "Shrek, The Musical," Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. Based on the popular DreamWorks film, the lovable green ogre joins more than a dozen fairy tale misfits from a land far, far away.
* "The Rambler," Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The Joe Goode Performance Group blurs the lines of modern dance into humorous and poignant storytelling theater, dance and song.
* "Mummenschanz," Tuesday, March 12, 2013. The show creates a captivating universe where everyday objects are turned into abstract forms, creating a whimsical world of theater and dance, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
* The Celtic Tenors, Saturday, March 16, 2013. A successful crossover group blends classical, folk, Irish and pop harmonies just in time for St. Patrick's Day.
* Alison Balsom and the Scottish Ensemble, Tuesday April 9, 2013. A trumpet superstar joins a tight-knit ensemble to perform several classical favorites from composers including Vivaldi and Albinoni, plus a piece commissioned especially for Balsom.
* Itzhak Perlman, 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2013. The world-renowned violinist is beloved for his charm, humanity and talent as well as exhibiting an irrepressible joy for making music.
* "Swan Lake," 4 p.m. Sunday April 28. The Russian National Ballet Theatre presents a timeless tale of love and betrayal.
* "Rock of Ages," Tuesday May 14, 2013. Featuring a mix of 28 rock tunes, the musical tells a love story through the most popular 1980s' rock bands.
* "Dinosaur Petting Zoo," 7 p.m. Monday, June 10, 2013. Erth - Visual and Physical Inc., one of most Australia's loved and innovative theater companies, presents an up close and personal encounter with the creatures that roamed the world millions of years ago through a theatrical puppet production.
