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May 8, 2004
Purdue Convocations announces 2004-05 performance season
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Convocations today (5/8) released the lineup of performing arts events for the 2004-05 season.
Todd Wetzel, director of Purdue Convocations, said, "This season offerss a variety of genres, appealing to diverse audiences. I’m excited to have multiple blockbuster titles in our Lively Arts series and special events. Several of the shows offer more than one performance."
The 2004-05 season includes 30 shows, four of which have two performances. The season includes six series and five special events. The series are the Jazz Set, Center Stage, Classics, Family Adventures, Music and Motion, and Lively Arts.
Katie Hutton, director of marketing for Purdue Convocations, said, "This season we are offering 30 percent more performances than last season. The Classics series combines previous seasons’ Loeb Music Series and Discovery Series. This allows audiences to experience all of the chamber music in one series. We also have expanded the Specials offering. Specials includes a Christmas holiday show by the Coasters, Drifters, and the Marvellettes. It will be a great way to kick off the season."
Advance ticket orders are being accepted now. Priority seating is given to Friends of Convocations.
Shannon Milton, Purdue Convocations development associate, said "Friends of Convocations is the organization's support system. The Friends' support fills the gap between revenue and operating costs, allowing us to keep ticket prices as low as possible. In addition, friends get benefits, including priority seating and special invitations to events and activities."
Series ticket buyers receive the greatest per-show discounts and are seated prior to single ticket purchasers. Discounts are also available to purchasers buying tickets to five or more shows. This option is called Pick 5.
Convocations features several sample Pick 5s in the season’s brochure. One of the samples, Arts and Athletics, highlights shows occurring during weekends with home Purdue Athletics events.
Hutton said, "Families and friends can come to town and see a show and a game. We are especially excited to offer Miss Saigon for two performances on Homecoming weekend."
Single tickets may also be ordered now. Single ticket orders will be filled prior to tickets going on sale at box office windows or Ticketmaster.
General public season ticket prices range from $55 for the Family Adventure series to $192 for the full Lively Arts series. Student and child series ticket prices range from $37 for the Family Adventure series to $132 for the full Lively Arts series. Discounted prices on series subscriptions are available to Purdue retirees and senior citizens.
Series packages are available until the first event of that particular series. For complete ticket pricing information and details on all performances, call the box office for a free season brochure at (765) 494-3933 or 800-914-SHOW. Patrons also may charge series or single tickets by phone. Complete information can be found at Purdue Convocations web site.
Following is the season schedule. All dates and performances are subject to change.
JAZZ SET —
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF JAZZ
Phil Woods Quintet
Phil Woods is an alto sax player (and clarinetist) whose lineage is rooted in Charlie Parker, Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges, yet decades later he’s still commanding presence who is on the move. Longtime collaborators Steve Gilmore (bass) and Bill Goodwin (drums) intuitively hold down the bottom while newcomers Bill Charlap (piano) and Brian Lynch (trumpet) will join Woods.
Nov. 12, 8 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
Another Kind of Blue: The Latin Side of Miles Davis
This seven-piece ensemble brings Afro-Caribbean rhythms to the compositions of Miles Davis’ landmark album Kind of Blue. Under the direction of trombonist Conrad Herwig, the band will take you to the warmer side of Miles Davis’ cool sound. Herwig says, "Miles wanted his musicians to have a lot of freedom to improvise … that allows us to try and find something fresh in it from our perspective." This septet will kick off the Purdue Jazz Festival.
Jan. 21, 2005, 8 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
John Scofield Trio
Guitarist John Scofield continues to explore the frontier of jazz. Scofield is digging into the trio format with bass phenom Steve Swallow and drummer extraordinaire Bill Stewart. This is an unprecedented chance to hear John Scofield with a stripped-down sound and revved-up groove.
April 22, 2005, 8 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
CENTER STAGE
Robert Dubac’s Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?
He planned to get married, and then she dumped him. Why? The answers roll in over 90 minutes with Dubac playing himself and five distinctive (and dysfunctional) men. The Miami Herald calls Male Intellect "the kind of indisputably riotous show that sets off regular explosions of laughter." Language advisory.
Sept. 10, 8 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
Victoria
Dulcinea Langfelder brings to the stage an entertaining and unforgettable portrayal of aging. Victoria, who is celebrating her 90th birthday, has lost much of her memory but not her zest for life. In this spellbinding performance Victoria inspires us to celebrate life's small victories and live in the moment.
Nov. 6, 8 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
SCORE by Siti Company
Score orchestrates a compelling vision of conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and the music he passionately played, conducted, wrote and loved. What begins as a lecture on making music quickly evolves into a deeply personal portrait where the audience takes on a dramatic and surprising role.
Jan. 20, 2005, 8 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
CLASSICS
Alpin Hong - discovery artist
"A pianistic firebrand … and he kept the voltage consistently high," raves the New York Times' review of Alpin Hong’s New York recital debut. Equally captivating in his interpretations of Schubert, Shostakovich or Liszt, Hong inspires audiences with his virtuosity, artistic vision and irreverent style – a charisma that earned him the First Prize in the 2001 Concert Artists Guild International Competition.
Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m., Fowler Hall
Sharon Isbin - guitar
The classical guitar kingdom owes much of its wealth to the musicianship of Sharon Isbin. Her folk-inspired classical works from around the world thrill critics and audiences alike. In 2000 she displaced The Three Tenors: Paris 1998 from the top of the charts and won a Grammy – the first by a classical guitarist in 30 years. When not on tour or recording, Isbin heads the Classical Guitar Departments at the Julliard School in NYC and at the Aspen Music Festival.
Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
Daedalus Quartet - discovery artist
Grand Prize Winner of the 2001 Banff International String Quartet Competition, the Daedalus Quartet is one of America’s most outstanding string quartets. Brother and sister violinists Kyu-Young Kim and Min-Young Kim, violist Jessica Thompson and cellist Raman Ramakrishnan will perform works of Joseph Haydn, Elliott Carter and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Nov. 14, 3 p.m., Fowler Hall
Claremont Trio - discovery artist
The debut Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson International Trio Award Winner
This ensemble has been earning awards and expanding the piano trio repertoire. Twins Emily and Julia Bruskin on violin and cello, respectively, and Donna Kwong on piano have a reputation for sophisticated performances and engaging outreach. The Cincinnati Enquirer says, "Their exuberant performance and gutsy repertoire … keeps chamber music alive."
Feb. 10, 2005, 7:30 p.m., Fowler Hall
Maya Beiser - cellist
Israeli-born cellist Maya Beiser returns to Purdue with her newest work, World to Come. Beiser accompanies herself with multi-tracked segments and projected images. The performance will include works by David Lang, Osvaldo Golijov and minimalists Arvo Pärt and Steve Reich.
April 1, 2005, 8 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
Le Trio Gershwin
Le Trio Gershwin brings together piano, classic guitar and cello to provide new perspectives on George Gershwin’s music. The trio uses a four-fold approach of transcription, arrangement, variation and jazz improvisation to explore Gershwin’s best-loved songs and symphonic pieces.
April 15, 2005, 8 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
FAMILY ADVENTURES
LUMA
Sculpting light into dynamic forms, LUMA transports audiences to an imaginative world of color, light and motion. Blending dance with hi-tech illuminated objects, LUMA creates a ‘TechnoCircus’ in the darkness. Recommended for children ages 5 and up.
Oct. 1, 7 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
Bunnicula
Harold, the dog, and Chester, the cat, investigate the strange behavior of the newest member of the Monroe family – a little bunny named Bunnicula. This hilarious musical is adapted from the popular children’s book by Deborah and James Howe.
Oct. 24, 3 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is the story of how Mike and his best friend, a steam shovel named Mary Anne, take on a new town and a big task.
March 6, 2005, 3 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
John McCutcheon
As an instrumentalist John McCutcheon has mastered a dozen different instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. Johnny Cash called him "the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard." The evening has been designed for families, but children of all ages will be refreshed by John McCutcheon’s musical honesty and lightheartedness.
April 29, 2005, 7 p.m., Long Center, Lafayette
MUSIC AND MOTION
Ravi Shankar
Sitar player and composer Ravi Shankar is credited with popularizing Indian music in the West and is a phenomenon in the international classical music arena. Shankar has composed and performed around the world including legendary performances at the Monterey Pop Festival, the Concert for Bangladesh and the Woodstock Festival. The Beatle’s George Harrison called Ravi Shankar "the Godfather of World Music."
Sept. 26, 3 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
Momix in Opus Cactus
Momix is a company of dancer-illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton. For 20 years Momix has been celebrated for its ability to conjure up a world of surrealistic images using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body. In Opus Cactus, tumbleweeds tumble, lizards leap and rattlesnakes slither as desert landscapes dance to life. Inspired by the giant saguaro cacti of the Southwest U.S., Pendleton’s catalytic choreography blossoms into indelible desert visions.
Nov. 21, 3 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
International Guitar Night
Four guitarists from the United States, Europe and South America gather for this one-night guitar festival. Through solos, collaborative pieces and spontaneous groupings, guitarists Gerardo Nunez (flamenco), Martin Taylor (fingerstyle jazz), Badi Assad (Brazilian), and Brian Gore (fingerstyle folk) lead a diverse and compelling world tour of the acoustic guitar in a relaxed coffeehouse setting.
Jan. 28, 2005, 8 p.m., Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballrooms
Natalie MacMaster
Grammy-nominated Cape Breton fiddle player and world-class dancer Natalie MacMaster and her band will steal your heart with their forward-looking vision of Scottish roots music. The Los Angeles Times says, "MacMaster’s a ball of fire, performing jigs and reels with unstoppable foot tapping energy and ballads with irresistible, keening passion."
April 10, 2005, 7 p.m., Long Center
LIVELY ARTS
Hubbard Street Dance Company, Chicago
Under artistic director Jim Vincent this company of 21 dancers will prove why they are one of the most innovative forces in contemporary dance. The performance features "Rooster," a dance piece set to the music of the Rolling Stones, and a new work by renowned choreographer Lar Lubovitch.
Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., Elliott Hall of Music
Miss Saigon
From the writers of Les Misérables, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, comes one of the most popular musicals of all time, Miss Saigon. The epic story of two young lovers torn apart by the fortunes of destiny and held together by a burning passion and the fate of a small child, Miss Saigon has been a triumphant worldwide success, seen by over 28 million people in 13 countries and in eight languages.
Oct. 15-16, 8 p.m., Elliott Hall of Music
42nd Street
This timeless, inspiring tale of small-town Peggy Sawyer’s rise to Broadway stardom features the showstopping tunes "Lullaby of Broadway," "We’re in the Money," and "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," along with the famous full-stage dance numbers that have made this legendary show a not-to-be-missed Broadway experience!
Jan. 27, 2005, 7:30 p.m., Elliott Hall of Music
Fiddler on the Roof
Tevye, humble milkman, harried husband and father to five daughters, invites us into his little village of Anatevka. Here, there is a tradition for everything – how to eat, how to wear clothes, how to pray, how to marry. This show is a journey through secret love, forbidden betrothal, marriage, devotion and forgiveness, tempered by rejection, oppression and imminent revolution. Emerging through it all we find humor, strength and perseverance, reminding us that without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a ... Fiddler on the Roof!
Feb. 27, 2005, 4 p.m., Elliott Hall of Music
Verdi's Otello by Opera Verdi Europa
Verdi’s last opera, Otello, a dramatic retelling of Shakespeare’s classic, affirmed Verdi’s enduring stature as a master of the genre. In this tale of intrigue set in 15th Century Cyprus, a Venetian general loses his grip on life and love at the hands of jealous, scheming scoundrels. It’s a tragedy of monumental proportion.
April 3, 2005, 3 p.m., Elliott Hall of Music-
The Full Monty
In a rollicking twist on the 1997 movie, the stage version of The Full Monty is set in Buffalo with a group of unemployed, out-of-shape blue collar guys – already stripped of their self esteem – strip-teasing their way out of their predicament to winning songs penned by David Yazbek. The LA Daily News calls it a "remarkably smart show and a mega crowd pleaser. The Full Monty has got the goods and the energy to match. A rousing evening." Stage play by Terrence McNally. Recommended for mature audiences. Language advisory.
April 7, 2005, 7:30 p.m., Elliott Hall of Music
SPECIAL EVENTS
Leo Kottke
Acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke is a self-taught virtuoso whose talent on the guitar is coupled with a baritone voice to produce a truly unique sound. A regular guest for Garrison Keillor, Kottke’s career path as a musician, songwriter, music arranger and storyteller has resulted in more than 30 recordings, including collaborations and soundtracks.
Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., Loeb Playhouse
STOMP
STOMP, the international percussion sensation, has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, "STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places."
Sept. 21 and 22, 7:30 p.m., Elliott Hall of Music
Cats
There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery and the memory of the Broadway sensation Cats. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece is the longest running show in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Cats features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song "Memory."
Nov. 5, 8 p.m., Elliott Hall of Music
Holiday Hop: The Coasters, The Drifters The Marvellettes
The Coaster, Drifters and Marvelettes will perform favorite oldies and holiday tunes. Their hit lists include "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," "Under the Boardwalk," "There Goes My Baby," "Please, Mr. Postman" and "Don’t Mess With Bill."
Dec. 5, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Long Center. Lafayette
The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys have entertained millions with recordings and television and personal appearances for decades. Their music has earned countless Grammy, Dove, CMA and ACM awards.
Feb. 5, 2005, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Long Center, Lafayette
Writer: Katie Hutton, (765) 494-5045, krhutton@purdue.edu
Sources: Todd Wetzel, (765) 494-9712, tewetzel@purdue.edu
Katie Hutton, (765) 494-5045, krhutton@purdue.edu
Shannon Milton, (765) 494-5840, smilton@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Publication-quality photographs are available by contacting Katie Hutton, Purdue Convocations marketing director, (765) 494-5045, krhutton@purdue.edu.
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