The Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University recently released its 2017-18 season. The new lineup features a total of 23 performances across four series: the Main Stage, featuring evening public performances; Family Series, geared at theatergoers of all ages; Recital Hall Series, featuring classical music; and the School-Time Matinee Series, providing educational opportunities for preK-12 students and educators.
There will be 11 performances on the Main Stage lineup. This year, the season begins on Aug. 24 with GRAMMY award-winning Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with special guest Amanda Shires, sponsored by Wade Inc. One of the most recognizable voices in country music Tracy Lawrence will play on Sept. 21, sponsored by Robinson Electric. On Oct. 3, the Aaron Neville Duo will tell it like it is in a concert sponsored by Delta State’s International Conference on the Blues. On Oct. 19, the singer-songwriter siblings Brothers Osborne, who have won “Vocal Duo of the year” at the ACM and CMA awards, will perform live in concert. On Nov. 2, the talented dancers of Ailey II of New York will capture audiences in a performance funded in part by South Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. This year’s holiday program is Red and Green, a family-friendly tap extravaganza by the world-renowned dancers of Rhythmic Circus and their swingin’ seven-piece band.
A brand new production of The Sound of Music begins the 2018 schedule on Jan. 25, sponsored by Guaranty Bank and Trust. On Feb. 6, Aquila Theatre brings to life Hamlet, arguably Shakespeare’s greatest play. The five-time GRAMMY award winner Michael McDonald will perform on Feb. 22, sponsored by Cannon Motors. The 20th anniversary tour of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical RENT comes to the Mississippi Delta on March 1. The Main Stage season will conclude with the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA on April 17, sponsored by Planters Bank. The 2017-18 season’s producing partner is Bolivar Medical Center.
The Family Series features two performances appropriate for all ages. Don’t miss the latest theatrical sensation B – The Underwater Bubble Show, an interactive performance that appeals to children and adults alike on Nov. 16. On March 6, the internationally acclaimed percussion artists TAO present Drum Heart, an energetic and unforgettable production.
The new Recital Hall series will begin on Nov. 14 with the Attaca Quartet who celebrate the timeless beauty of the string quartet. On April 12, New York-based brass quartet The Westerlies will explore jazz, roots and chamber music.
The School-Time Matinee Series will feature “Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey” sponsored by AT&T on Sept. 27; “How I Became a Pirate” sponsored by Walmart on Oct. 16; a matinee performance by Ailey II on Nov. 2 is funded in part by a grant from South Arts and the NEA; “A Garfield Christmas” sponsored by Heidi’s on Dec. 6; “Go, Dog. Go!” on Jan. 19 sponsored by Monsanto; a special daytime performance of “Hamlet” on Feb. 7; “Petra and the Wolf” sponsored by Entergy on Feb. 20; and “My Father’s Dragon” on April 5.
Tickets are now on sale to all public performances. More information on all performances, including videos, can be found at www.bolognapac.com. To purchase tickets, learn about becoming an Annual Member, for information on group tickets, or any other questions, call 662-846-4625.
