Archives
Center for the Arts announces schedule for 2002-03
A variety of dance, lectures, theater and musical events planned to appeal to audiences of all ages
By KELLI BOCOCK-NATALE and DAVID WEDEKINDT
Reporter Contributors
The Center for the Arts will present a broad spectrum of programs for 2002-03, including cutting-edge dance, distinguished speakers, compelling theater, family entertainment and unique musical concerts.
The expanded KeyBank Dance Series include five performances, beginning with Garth Fagan Dance at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Mainstage theater. Fagan is the Tony Award-winning choreographer of Broadway's "The Lion King."
Audiences will experience the spirit of West Africa in music, dance and song when the world-famous Le Ballet National Du Senegal performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Mainstage. The group has performed around the globe for more than 40 years.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Joffrey Ensemble Dancers at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Mainstage. The company is composed of the rising stars of ballet chosen from the internationally recognized Joffrey Ballet School.
The world's most sensual dance will take the Mainstage at 8 p.m. Feb. 26 with the international tour of Tango Buenos Aires. A six-piece orchestra featuring the idiom's signature instrument—the bandoneon—will share the stage with six dancing couples, alternating heartfelt instrumentals and songs with passionate movement.
The series will conclude with the return of the Limón Dance Company. Now in its 55th year, the company is the living legacy of the movement technique and philosophy developed by José Limón and his mentors. The company will give a public performance at 8 p.m. April 11 in the Mainstage, and also will be in residence at the university, providing a series of outreach activities to area schools and community centers.
Parents, grandparents and children can journey into their imaginations with The Tops Family Adventure Series. The series offers affordable and age-appropriate productions with child-friendly curtain times. Most performances also include free craft and seasonally themed activities for children.
Featured as part of the series will be the Missoula Children's Theater's original musical production of "Red Riding Hood" on Oct. 5; ArtsPower Musical Theatre's touring production of P.D. Eastman's classic book "Are You My Mother" on Oct. 27; Fanfare Theatre Ensemble's original musical adaptation of "Cinderella on Feb. 9, and a screening of "Sherlock Jr.," Buster Keaton's classic silent film, on Feb. 28.
The School-Time Adventure Series offers Western New York students the opportunity to see a wide variety of theater, music and dance at affordable prices. The lineup this year will include "Are You My Mother," Oct. 24-25; "Under the Sea with Silly Jellyfish," a story about life under the sea performed by the life-sized Hudson Vagabond Puppets, Nov. 21-22; the "Jack Frost Holiday Revue" featuring the world-famous POKO Puppets, Dec. 9-10; "Cinderella," Feb. 10-11, and "Sherlock Jr.," Feb. 28.
Bruce Hornsby and his band, featuring Steve Kimock, will kick off the CFA's musical offerings for 2002-03 with a concert at 8 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Mainstage. Also performing this year will be country music star Randy Travis, Nov. 8; 22-year-old guitar prodigy Derek Trucks, Nov. 12; the Grammy-winning South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Feb. 5, and for an unprecedented fifth year, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones on April 13.
The CFA's "Off Center" Series offers special presentations by some of the most creative minds in print, television and radio.
Best-selling humorist, National Public Radio commentator and retired elf David Sedaris will make a much-anticipated return to Western New York at 8 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Mainstage.
Another favorite of NPR audiences, Terry Gross, host of "Fresh Air" will speak at 8 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Mainstage. Gross has been called "one of the most thought-provoking interviewers working in media today."
In addition, "Saturday Night Live" cast member Ana Gasteyer will give a special presentation on women in comedy at 8 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Mainstage.
The CFA also will present a number of other special events throughout the season.
"The Best of Broadway" will be the theme of the fourth annual Masquerade Ball to benefit the CFA's dance-residency program, outreach initiatives and transportation stipend. The event, to be held Nov. 2, will feature a performance by the Zodiaque Dance Company.
A past member of the dance residency program, the Eager Artists theater company of Durban, South Africa, will return to UB in November to continue outreach activities, including workshops and performances for both the Western New York community and UB students.
Other special events will include the American Academy of Ballet's presentation of "The Nutcracker" on Dec. 6-8, an appearance by Tony Award-winning actor and dancer Gregory Hines on March 22 and "Barry Manilow's Copacabana" on May 16. The hit song is the inspiration for this exciting and passionate new musical—a tale of love and romance set in the heart of the swinging nightclub scene of the 1940s.
The Distinguished Speakers Series will feature "Today" co-anchor Katie Couric at 8 p.m. Oct. 11 in Alumni Arena, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 in Alumni Arena and best-selling author Amy Tan at 8 p.m. March 26 in the CFA Mainstage.
The Department of Theatre and Dance will present dynamic and innovative performances by talented young actors, dancers and choreographers throughout the season.
The schedule will include "La mujer que cayó del cielo," Sept. 26-27; Zodiaque Dance Company, Oct. 17-20 and Oct. 24-27; "The Wild Party" by Andrew Lippa, Nov. 14-17 and Nov. 21-24; Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble, Dec. 5-8; Zodiaque Dance Company, Feb. 13-16 and Feb. 20-23; "Chamber Music" by Arthur Kopit, Feb. 26-Mar. 2; "A Chorus Line" by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, April 3-6 and April 10-13, and "Young Choreographers Showcase," April 25-27.
Tickets for all events are available in the CFA box office from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Prices vary for each show and/or series.