OXFORD,
Miss. – On the heels of a highly successful fall season – including a
sold-out performance of the Christmas favorite “Oliver!” – the Gertrude
C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi
is set to open its spring series.
“The fall season offered the
University of Mississippi many once-in-a-lifetime moments, including
the first presidential debate in September and several sold-out
performances,” Easterbrook said. “We just ended the season with an
amazing Christmas musical on Dec. 13, and we’re already preparing for
‘DRUMLine,’ which premieres January 26.”
“DRUMLine Live ” is part of the center’s Series 108, which is noted for intimate and adventuresome subjects and settings. Easterbrook said the series is planned to give audiences a “broader theater experience.” Most Series 108 events include free master classes by the artist for UM students and the public.
The show brings the marching band tradition to the theatrical stage for the first time. Featuring a large cast from America’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the production presents the rousing and rhythmic sounds of the great brass past, including Earth, Wind and Fire and Tower of Power, with the hottest contemporary hip-hop and R&B.
The 8 p.m. show features the sounds of trumpets, explosive choreography and incredible feats of athleticism from the steppers and dancers. Tickets are $25 for general admission.
Another spring show that’s sure to be a favorite is the Jan. 29 performance of “Hairspray. ” Part of the Ford Series, the play tells the story of pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnbald whose only desire is to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to star, but she must use her newfound popularity to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen and win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, all without denting her hairdo.
“‘Hairspray’ is Broadway’s musical-comedy phenomenon that won eight 2003 Tony Awards and recently inspired a major motion picture starring John Travolta as Tracy’s mom,” Easterbrook said. “It’s sure to be entertaining for our audience.”
Tickets for the 8 p.m. musical range from $30 to $40 for various seating.
Other early spring performances at the Ford Center are The Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile, Feb. 7; Dance Theatre of Harlem, Feb. 17; and Mavis Staples, Feb. 27.
Mid-season shows include “Giselle,” featuring the Russian National Ballet, March 3; “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley,” March 8; and Arlo Guthrie’s “The Lost World Tour,” March 9.
“Messiah ,” featuring the UM Concert Singers, comes to the Ford stage April 6 and The 5 Browns perform April 24. The season ends with a “Las Vegas Tribute to Motown ” on May 1 and The Gizmo Guys on May 2.
All tickets are available by calling the UM Box Office at 662-915-7411 or by visiting the Box Office in the Ole Miss Student Union from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or the Ford Center Box Office from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Tickets may also be purchased online at http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter/ . UM students, faculty, staff and retirees are eligible for discounted ticket prices.
For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-2787.
To learn more about the Ford Center, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter/ .