'50s Favorites Dukes of Dixieland open SRU arts series
SLIPPERY ROCK — Though the theater is closed, the shows will go on in Slippery Rock University’s Performing Arts Series.
The shows are moving from Miller Auditorium to the University Union for the 2012-13 season while the building undergoes major renovations.
The plan this year is that subscribers get three main stage shows (the first three listed below). Then they get to choose one of two café-style shows. The reason is that the café-style is around tables so the same number of people can’t be accommodated.
If someone wants all five shows, the subscriber can buy the package for four shows and then buy the fifth individually.
The series will offer:
•The Dukes of Dixieland, traditional jazz and Dixieland music weaving strands of pop, gospel and country into authentic New Orleans sounds, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7
•The Moscow Boys Choir’s “Christmas Around the World Tour,” a blend of soprano voices joined by the resonance of bass, tenor and baritone sounds to create a distinct Russian flavor, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2
• “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” four high school girls from the ’50s present favorites including “Mr. Sandman,” “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “It’s My Party,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Respect,” 7:30 p.m. March 9
•Either café-style show: Joe Negri and Friends in Concert, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12, 2012 or The Hunts, a performing family, at 4 p.m. April 28, 2013.
Though Negri is well-know and “Handyman Negri” on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” this Joe Negri show will focus on his talents as a jazz guitarist and his trio along with a guest vocalist.
• The Hunt family will offer a wide variety of musical genres, including selection from Celtic to country and rock. There will also be championship fiddling, step-dancing, percussion and electric guitars as well as vocal harmonies when the nine-member family performs.
The Hunts will offer a free step-dance workshop for children who have purchased a show ticket at 1:45 p.m. Advanced registration is required.
The performing arts series also will offer specially priced tickets to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s production of “Cinderella” and the Heinz History Center for ticket-and-transportation excursions.
The history center and Spaghetti Warehouse event in Pittsburgh is Nov 3, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre “Cinderella” excursion to the Benedum Center is April 21.
Season tickets to the series are $76; $68 for those 62 and older; $60 for those 17 and younger; and $28 for SRU students. There is a $3 overall handling fee.
Individual show tickets are available for order now, but will not be filled until after the season subscriptions are completed.
Tickets may be ordered by calling 724-738-2018 or by visiting the Alumni House from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
In addition to the performing arts series, AVI-Fresh, the campus contract food vendor, will offer specialty soups, salads and sandwiches related to the show 90 minutes before the performance in the University Union lobby. Diners can choose two items and a beverage for $10. Reservations are not required.
The two café events will offer ala carte food service throughout the performance.
