Charlotte, NC – More than 35 special attractions representing the best of the performing arts will be featured on the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s 2007-08 season.
The 2007-08 season features performances by renowned musicians (Adam Pascal, Kathy Mattea, Natalie MacMaster, Maureen McGovern, Richard Thompson), hypnotizing choreography from around the globe (Bellydance Superstars, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Shaolin Warriors, Forever Tango), and the hilarious musings of first-class comedians (The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Second City: One Nation Under Blog!). Rock fans will enjoy tributes to two of the most revolutionary musical groups in rock history (Rain: The Beatles Experience, The Pink Floyd Experience), while movie buffs will appreciate and enjoy an intimate look at innovative filmmaking with An Evening with John Waters.
“We are thrilled with the eclectic mix of events in this year’s season,” said Center President, Tom Gabbard. “Our mission is to be a center for the entire community, and we think arts fans of all persuasions will find something to like in the season.”
Special highlights include a return engagement by the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Broadway hits CATS and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, more than a dozen musical concerts ranging from pop star Elvis Costello to Celtic smash ANÚNA, and a new theater series for the Center’s Booth Playhouse titled Off-Broadway Lights. The new series will feature a mix of drama and comedy, with some works produced by local artists and others part of national tours.
“We are pleased with the response we’re seeing to theatrical work and see this series as the next step in growing that audience,” Gabbard said. “We’re especially proud to showcase some really exciting local artists in the hilarious musical satire CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS and the dramatic tour de force of I AM MY OWN WIFE. The Off-Broadway Lights Series will also include some well known touring shows, including THE MALE INTELLECT: AN OXYMORON and LATE NITE CATECHISM, and a return engagement by THE REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, performing their hilarious “All the Great Books (abridged)” and “The Complete History of America (abridged).”
Patrons will have the opportunity to purchase Off-Broadway Lights season subscriptions in three to five-show packages beginning in early August, with single tickets for the opening show, LATE NIGHT CATECHISM, going on sale near the end of the month.
Families also will find lots of options on the 2007-08 season with Presbyterian Hospital joining the Center as the title sponsor for a series of family friendly shows. “We are very grateful to Presbyterian Hospital for stepping in as a title sponsor for our family events and as our official healthcare provider. Their support has allowed us to increase our family oriented programming and offer a mix that addresses children of many different ages,” Gabbard said. Highlights of the Presbyterian Family Series include THE MUSICAL ADVENTURES OF FLAT STANLEY and the incredible CIRQUE DREAMS: JUNGLE FANTASY.
Tickets for the Center’s special attractions will go on sale to the general public at various times throughout the year, but Center members and Stanford Broadway Lights Series season subscribers will be able to purchase tickets to all Center attractions in advance of public sales. This special priority purchase benefit is one of the many perks enjoyed by Center members and subscribers. For more information about Center membership, visit www.BlumenthalCenter.org/join or call 704-348-5823. To become a Stanford Broadway Lights season subscriber, visit www.BlumenthalCenter.org/broadway or call 704-335-1010.
As shows go on sale, single tickets will be available at the Center box office in Founders Hall, by phone at 704-372-1000 and online at www.BlumenthalCenter.org and www.CarolinaTix.org. Special group rates also are available for many shows. Groups may purchase tickets to all Center-sponsored shows now. Group minimums begin as low as 10 for many performances. For more information, call 704-379-1380 or visit www.BlumenthalCenter.org/groups.