The Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University recently unveiled its 2015-16 season. The new lineup features nine Main Stage and six School-Time Matinee Series performances, including three touring Broadway musicals, concerts and family-friendly productions.
Launching the 21st Season are The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill, Kenny Sears and Ranger Doug Green on Sept 17. Motown group the Four Tops, featuring original member Abdul “Duke” Fakir, will be at the BPAC Oct. 8. On Oct. 20, Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson will present the 17-piece big band the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Family show “A Very Electric Christmas” comes to the BPAC Nov. 19.
The 2016 schedule includes Broadway favorites “Annie” on Feb. 2 and “Mamma Mia!” on Feb 18. The critically acclaimed dance company River North Dance Chicago comes to the stage on March 1, followed by “Flashdance the Musical” on March 18. Multi-platinum country singer-songwriter Sara Evans will close out the season on April 21.
Main Stage sponsors include Bolivar Medical Center, Guaranty Bank and Planters Bank.
The School Time Matinee Series features “The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)” on Oct. 14, “Room on the Broom” on Nov. 13, “Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas” on Dec. 9, “Peter Rabbit Tales” on Jan. 29, “Street Beat: Dance Through the Decades” on March 1, and “Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School” on Apr. 8.
Sponsoring the Matinee Series are AT&T, Entergy and Monsanto.
Tickets are currently on presale for Annual Members, individuals who make a tax-deductible donation of $50 or more to the BPAC. Season ticket packages to all nine performances begin at $229 each, and go on sale June 29. Custom “Pick 3” ticket packages will go on sale July 13, while individual ticket sales will begin July 28. More information on all performances, including videos, can be found at www.bolognapac.com. To become an Annual Member and join the presale, or for information on group tickets, contact 662-846-4625.
The 2015-2016 Main Stage Season, in chronological order, includes:
THE TIME JUMPERS FT. VINCE GILL, KENNY SEARS, & RANGER DOUG GREEN (Sept. 17) Tap any member of The Time Jumpers on the shoulder and the face that turns to greet you will be that of one who’s made major contributions to the richness and vigor of country music. Locally sponsored by Bolivar Medical Center.
THE FOUR TOPS (Oct. 8) Their first Motown hit “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964 made them stars, and their following songs, soulful and bittersweet, were across-the-board successes. Additional hits include “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” and “Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got).”
DAVIS & JOHNSON AND THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA (Oct. 20) 17-piece big band putting their own stamp on the Great American songbook, graced with a touch of Motown, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Elvis and more, offering a freshness and relevance that speaks to every soul.
A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS (Nov. 19) Electroluminescent artistry tells the story of a family of birds who accidentally travel to the North Pole for winter. Lightwire Theater is known for their signature brand of dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling and music designed to evoke imagery.
ANNIE (Feb 2). Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Locally sponsored by Planters Bank and Trust.
MAMMA MIA! (Feb. 18) A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! The smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA. Locally sponsored by Guaranty Bank and Trust.
RIVER NORTH DANCE CHICAGO (March 1) Critically acclaimed for their athletic and impassioned repertoire, River North Dance Chicago presents dynamic works that combine technical prowess and artistic perspective with bold, theatrical flair. This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL (March 18) The pop culture phenomenon of FLASHDANCE is now live on stage! With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer
SARA EVANS (April 21) Multi-platinum selling country singer and songwriter Sara Evans has been called “one of the most compelling vocalists of her generation.”
