UB Center for the Arts Announces 2001-02 Season

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present an eclectic schedule of events during the 2001-02 season, offering entertainment ranging from a special performing arts collaboration to adventures for the whole family as part of the center's eighth season of providing the community with educational and diverse programs of music, theatre and dance that reflect its commitment to world-class excellence.

The center will present The Living Room Project, a program aimed at connecting communities, Sept. 10 to Oct. 7. A special performing arts collaboration between the Center for the Arts and Eager Artists Theater Company of Durban, South Africa, the project is based on intimate community engagements in Buffalo, where members of Eager Artists and its audiences share a performance and an informal meal together in the home of a community "host." The purpose of the project is to facilitate a greater understanding of the performing artists and their work through high-quality, intimate experiences for participants. The Living Room Project is made possible by a grant from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters Arts Partners Program, which is underwritten by the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Now in its fourth year, The KeyBank Dance Series will include four dynamic performances. On Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. the series will present the tough, rocking theatrical event Tap Dogs. Innovative choreographer John Alleyne will take audience members into a magical fairyland world based on Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as Ballet British Columbia performs "The Faerie Queen" on Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. And world-class dance will be presented on Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. when Bayanihan, The Philippine National Dance Company, takes the stage; Bayanihan has successfully transferred the Filipino dance and music traditions from their ancient origins in the countryside to the confines of the stage without sacrificing authenticity. Concluding the series will be the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company on April 20 at 8 p.m., a company whose work often has been described as a fusion of dance and theatre, with a repertoire that is highly diverse in subject matter and visual imagery.

KeyBank is pleased to partner with the UB Center for the Arts for a fourth season as a sponsor of the KeyBank Dance Series, and welcomes opportunities to reach out into the community in ways that expand understanding and appreciation of the performing arts at accessible prices. Exclusive discount coupons are available one month prior to each performance at all Western New York KeyBank locations. Media sponsors are WJYE-FM and Adelphia Media Services.

The Center for the Arts' Family Adventure Series offers wholesome and enlightening entertainment for all ages, and encourages families to enjoy the creativity and awe of the live-performance experience. Best of all, the series offers affordable and age-appropriate productions with child-friendly curtain times. New this season, the doors will open one hour prior to curtain for free lobby activities for the entire family. Media sponsors are WJYE-FM and Adelphia Media Services.

As past of the Family Adventure Series, the center will present "Ferdinand and the Bull" Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. Based on one of the best-loved stories in all of children's literature by Munro Leaf, it is the story of Ferdinand, a little bull who would rather just sit and smell the flowers than fight. Children will enjoy watching giant puppets that sing and dance in the latest of an ongoing tradition of "narrated ballets" by the Hudson Vagabond Puppets. Recommended for ages 9 and under.

ArtsPower National Touring Theatre will bring to life Judy Blume's popular novel, "Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great" on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. A new musical about young Sheila Tubman, the unlikely but extremely likable heroine whose life growing up is always unpredictable, this production is recommended for ages 12 and under.

Next up on stage -- "Pinocchio" on Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. With a blare of trumpets and a ruffle of drums, the Fanfare Theatre Ensemble will parade down the aisle and onto the stage to make Pinocchio an unforgettable theatrical event. The whole family will enjoy watching all of Pinocchio's escapades in this original musical. Follow Pinocchio from a puppet stage to the belly of a whale, while enjoying lively songs, rousing dances and theatrical magic. Recommended for ages 8 and under.

"The Peter Rabbit Revue" will be performed on March 23 at 2 p.m. This show is a fun-filled, full-stage musical treat featuring the famous rabbit and the classic children's tales of "Peter and the Wolf," "Tubby the Tuba" and "Peer Gynt and the Trolls," as well as the world renowned Poko Puppets. Recommended for ages 8 and under.

There are few things quite as magical to a child as seeing the subject they've studied or books they have read come to life on stage. The Center for the Arts continues its commitment to the Western New York area by continuing to offer the School-Time Adventure Series, with its quality programming at affordable prices. Teachers may reserve now and pay later. All ticket prices are $5. Call 645-6771 for more information.

The School-Time Adventure Series will include performances of:

o Ferdinand the Bull, Oct. 29 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. The production will feature a mixture of giant puppets, specialized mechanical figures and masked dancers that sing and dance. A lecture-demonstration will follow the program, during which children will learn simple techniques for resolving conflicts without violence. Recommended for Grades K-4.

o Back by popular demand, the world-renowned Poko Puppets in The Jack Frost Holiday Revue on Dec. 6 and 7 at 10:30 a.m. Jack Frost is the host for a musical extravaganza featuring the black light, space-age adventures of "Little Red Rocket Hood" and a rollicking country-western "Three Little Pigs," as well as a sing-along with Jack and a cuddly Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. A giant pop-up "12 Days of Christmas," a larger-than-life "Frosty the Snowman," and the full company in a spectacular "March of the Toy Soldiers" will celebrate the holiday season. Recommended for Grades PreK-3.

o Motus O's "The Little Prince" on Jan. 23 and 24 at 10:30 a.m. Motus O retells, through movement, the classic fable of a small prince on a tiny planet who travels to earth to find out what is really important in life, and leads the audience, with boundless energy, into the wonder of discovery, the magic of imagination and the joy of friendship. Recommended for Grades K-4.

Based in Canada, Motus O is a unique company of performers well trained in theatre and dance and known for non-stop movement. Their mandate is to create works of physical inventiveness and beauty that portray the phenomenon of human experience with wit, wonder and revelation.

o "Pinocchio" on Feb. 25 and 26 at 10:30 a.m. Fanfare Theatre Ensemble's original musical adaptation follows the hair-raising adventures of Pinocchio from a puppet stage to the belly of a whale. Lively songs and rousing dances combined with theatrical magic are certain to dazzle young audiences. Recommended for Grades PreK-3.

o "The Peter Rabbit Revue" on March 21 and 22 at 10:30 a.m. "The Peter Rabbit Revue" is a fun-filled, full-stage musical treat featuring the famous rabbit and the classic children's tales of "Peter and the Wolf," "Tubby the Tuba" and "Peer Gynt and the Trolls." Rabbits abound with Poko's signature glitter-rock "At The Hop," the zany and egg-stravagant "Easter Parade," and an "Old McDonald" sing-along with special guest star "Super Rabbit." Join the fun with Peter Rabbit and all his rabbit friends as they celebrate the spring holidays. Recommended for Grades K-3.

The Center for the Arts will host a number of special events throughout the season:

o Eager Artists Theater Company in "Ekhaya Poppie" on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. A musical about the involvement of black South Africa in an Anglo-Boer War, it tells the story of Poppie and others who were tortured, killed, raped and imprisoned in concentration camps. This is a story of pride and hope with colorful dance and moving music.

o Comic magicians Penn & Teller make their first appearance at the center on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Penn & Teller are a couple of eccentric guys who have learned how to do a few cool things. Together since 1975, their award-winning theater show has been a long-running hit on and off Broadway and continues to play to sold-out houses across North America. Co-presented by UBASE.

o Author and social observer Sarah Vowell will perform on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. Sarah Vowell is best known for her monologues and documentaries for public radio's "This American Life." Sponsored by WBFO 88.7 FM.

The center's 2001-02 Music Series will feature some of the nation's best musicians. On Oct. 24 at 8 p.m., the center will welcome the downtown avant-electric-jazz-hip-hop hybrid known as Medeski Martin & Wood.

The Charlie Hunter Quartet will make a triumphant return to the center on Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. Combining elements of jazz, rock and blues, Hunter plays a unique eight-string guitar that allows him to simultaneously cover deep rich bass lines with chordal accompaniment and melody lines. He will be joined by Stephen Chopek (drums), Chris Lovejoy (percussion) and John Ellis (saxophone).

On March 4 at 8 p.m. the center will welcome back Grammy award-winning Béla Fleck and the Flecktones for an unprecedented fourth year. Appealing to fans of pop, funk, jazz, rock, folk, classical and bluegrass, this unique and talented group is noted for its incredible live performances. Catch them while you can in the center's intimate and acoustically superior setting. This performance is made possible by The Bernice Poss Memorial Fund.

The Distinguished Speakers Series will feature the great scientist, conservationist, teacher and author Jane Goodall, on Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. in Alumni Arena. The 64th Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will speak on Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. in Alumni Arena. Celebrated filmmaker Ken Burns will speak at the Center on April 24 at 8 p.m. The series will include one additional speaker to be announced.

The Off Center Series will feature entertainment that is unique, versatile and progressive. The Second City National Touring Company will perform on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Always original, daring and hilarious, The Second City's Touring Company is an ideal evening of first-rate entertainment. The group will perform a special medley of classic scenes, songs and improvisations.

Enjoy a hilarious evening with Scott Thompson, founding member of "Kids in the Hall" on Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. Thompson has been trés successful in life after "Kids In The Hall." He was a cast member on HBO's "The Larry Sanders Show" for three years and appeared in several TV movies and films. Thompson also joined forces with Paul Bellini to write "Buddy Babylon: the Autobiography of Buddy Cole," and went on an extensive book reading/signing tour across the US and Canada. And he, of course, continues to make wonderfully outspoken appearances on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and other talk shows, as well as contribute to the new KITH material on Comedy Central.

On April 26 the center will present Rick Miller in "Slightly Bent" at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. He's back! Rick Miller, the star of last season's hit "Machomer," brings an all-new comic extravaganza to the center. The show features Rick playing more than 150 characters including: "Bohemian Rhapsody" sung by 25 of the most annoying voices in the music industry, "The Simpsons" singing "We Are the World," the Madonna tribute album: "Men Do Madonna" and the "Phantom of the Karaoke Bar," to name a few! Its Robert Lepage meets Jim Carrey.

The Off Center Series is sponsored by the Student Association.

In addition, the UB Department of Theatre and Dance will present dynamic and innovative performances by talented young actors, dancers and choreographers. All performances are open to the general public. They include:

o Assassins, Sept. 14-16 and Sept. 22 in the Black Box Theatre

o Zodiaque Dance Company -- "Wine, Women & Dance," Oct. 11-14 and 18-21 in the Drama Theatre

o Children Of Eden, Nov. 8-11 and 15-18 in the Drama Theatre

o Cloud Nine, Nov. 14-18 in the Black Box Theatre

o Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble, Nov. 29-Dec.2 in the Black Box Theatre

o Zodiaque Dance Company Spring Dance Concert, Feb.-14-17 and 21-24 in the Drama Theatre

o Berlin to Broadway, Feb 20-24 in the Black Box Theatre

o The Bourgeois Gentleman, April 11-14, April 18-21 in the Drama Theatre

o Young Choreographers Showcase, April 26-28 in the Black Box Theatre.

Tickets for the 2001-02 season go on sale Sept. 4. Prices vary for each show and/or series. Student discounts and group rates are available. Tickets are available at the Center's Box Office from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Kaufmann's and Movies Plus. To charge, call 716-852-5000; for information, call 716-645-ARTS; for group information, call 716-645-6771. Or visit the Center for the Arts Web site at http://www.arts.buffalo.edu.