The Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University released its 2016-17 season today. The new lineup features a total of 22 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 are 10 performances on the Main Stage lineup. Kicking off the season will be GRAMMY award-winning country music artist Travis Tritt with special guest Luke Combs on Sept.15, sponsored by Bolivar Medical Center. Americana-folk rock band The Avett Brothers will play on Oct. 4, sponsored by Guaranty Bank. On Oct. 20, two powerful acts will unite when Mavis Staples performs along with the Blind Boys of Alabama, sponsored by Cannon Motors of Mississippi. On Nov. 10, contemporary dance company Parsons Dance will take the stage in a performance funded in part by South Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. The national Broadway tour of Elf The Musical will play the Mississippi Delta on Dec. 2, sponsored by Planters Bank. In 2017, the USA International Ballet Competition will sponsor a dance performance by Alonzo King LINES Ballet on Jan. 31, funded in part by South Arts and the NEA, as well as Southern Company. On Feb. 28, the international percussion sensation STOMP will come to the Delta. Next, the national Broadway tour of the quintessential backstage musical comedy classic 42nd Street will play on March 20. Direct from Broadway, the mind-blowing spectacular THE ILLUSIONISTS will showcases the jaw-dropping talents of some of the most incredible illusionists on Earth on March 30. The Main Stage season will conclude with a performance on April 27 by Josh Turner, double-platinum-selling singer-songwriter and one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry, sponsored by Robinson Electric.
The new Family Series features three productions geared towards the young at heart. The Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China will perform on Oct. 11. On Nov.6, the Mermaid Theatre of Novia Scotia will perform Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Other Treasured Stories by Eric Carle, sponsored by Heidi’s. Based on the hit TV show, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! is coming to the BPAC on Jan. 24. Performance times are designed to accommodate younger theatergoers.
The new Recital Hall series will feature the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet on Oct. 6, a GRAMMY award-winning classical guitar ensemble. On March 21, Sybarite5, a string quintet consisting of two violins, viola, cello and double bass, will perform their eclectic repertoire. Tickets to the Recital Hall series include a complimentary social hour with hors d’oeuvres before the performance.
The School-Time Matinee Series will feature A Year with Frog and Toad sponsored by Monsanto on Oct. 25; a matinee performance by Parsons Dance Company on Nov. 9; Pete the Cat sponsored by Entergy on Nov. 18; a matinee performance by Alonzo King LINES Ballet on Feb. 1; Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live! sponsored by Walmart on Feb.23; and Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters on April 12 sponsored by AT&T.
There is also a free community performance planned for April 4, 2017 titled Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till that is sponsored in part by Delta State University’s Winning the Race initiative.
Tickets are currently on pre-sale for BPAC Annual Members, individuals who make a tax deductible donation of $75 or more to the BPAC. Main Stage season ticket packages start at $285 and go on sale July 1. Main Stage Custom “Pick 3,” Family Series and Recital Hall Series ticket packages go on sale July 11. All individual tickets will be available for purchase on July 18. More information on all performances, including videos, can be found at www.bolognapac.com. To become an Annual Member and join the pre-sale, for information on group tickets, or any other questions, call the BPAC at 662-846-4625.
