Garrison Keillor Highlights UD’s 2014-2015 Performing Arts Series

Jul 10, 2014 | Kristi Lynch

The University of Dubuque is pleased to announce the 2014-2015 Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series.  The second full season features an increase to 13 events compared to 9 events in 2013-2014.

In response to last year’s positive turnouts, three performances are once again specifically tailored to family audiences with young children. The remaining events comprise two special season opening performances and the CenterStage Series appropriate for general audiences. All guest artist performances have been selected from the best on today’s international touring circuit and will occur in Heritage Center’s signature venue, John and Alice Butler Hall, with a seating capacity of 1000 patrons.

The 8-event CenterStage Series package offers the best value including a host of subscriber benefits including discounted tickets, free events, and advance purchasing privileges on additional events such as Garrison Keillor. Summer Farber Box Office hours are 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday until Monday, August 18, when normal 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m. hours commence.  Online sales are available at www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter. For more information or to request a brochure, call the Farber Box Office at 563-585-SHOW (7469).

Subscription and Individual Tickets – Ordering Dates and Details:
*Subscription orders will be accepted upon receipt of order form via fax, mail, and email effective now and processed beginning Monday, July 21; online beginning Monday, July 21; and via phone or in-person at the box office beginning Monday, July 28. 

*Individual ticket orders will be accepted upon receipt of order form via fax, mail, and email effective now and processed beginning Wednesday, August 6; online beginning Wednesday, August 6; and via phone or in-person at the box office beginning Monday, August 18. 

Heritage Center will offer a public open house on Monday, August 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  The evening will feature live entertainment, ticket giveaways, building tours, complimentary refreshments, and an early opportunity to purchase individual event tickets.

According to Heritage Center Executive Director, Thomas Robbins, “Besides the magnificent storytelling of Garrison Keillor, our second season offers everything from musical nostalgia to theatrical drama to family fun. I encourage everyone to come and experience all that Heritage Center has to offer.”


The 2014-2015 season features the following events:

Thursday, September 11, 2014, 7:30 p.m.  (**NEW DATE**)
John Pinero in Vince: The Life and Times of Vince Lombardi
Even though the legendary coach has passed on, you don’t have to miss his spirit. The Green Bay Packers, the NFL, and even Lombardi’s own players agree – John Pinero’s one-man play portraying the greatest professional coach in football history is a “tour-de-force.” John has won critical acclaim from every facet of the professional football community including a 2006 pre-game ABC TV Superbowl show appearance. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote, “This is the stage incarnation of Vince Lombardi.”

           

Sunday, September 21, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
An Afternoon with Garrison Keillor
The charming, witty, and always-entertaining writer, humorist, and celebrity speaker Garrison Keillor is probably best known for his widely popular radio show A Prairie Home Companion. The show attracts 17 million listeners on more than 900 stations weekly. Keillor is the host of the daily radio and online program, The Writer’s Almanac and remains one of the most popular American storytellers of all time.  www.garrisonkeillor.com

Friday, October 10, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
The McCartney Years
There is only one show that celebrates the genius of Paul McCartney at the height of his career in the mid-1970s. The McCartney Years is a note-for-note faithful recreation of a “Wings over America” concert. Led by perfectionist Yuri Pool as Sir Paul, the band has a commitment to 100% live and accurate reproductions of McCartney’s concert experience.

 

Sunday, October 19, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Curious George performed by New York’s Theatreworks USA
Join the inquisitive, lovable little monkey Curious George – star of books, movies, and the award winning PBS television show in this delightful new musical. George ends up on a mission to help Chef Pisghetti’s meatballs win a world-famous competition. With every swing and flip, George takes audiences through a fun-filled adventure in which he learns more about cooking than he'd ever imagined!

 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Shakespeare’s The Tempest performed by New York’s Aquila Theatre
Believed to be Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest is imbued with magic, the supernatural, and a heightened sense of theatricality. The Aquila Theatre brings its innovative style and dynamic physical approach to this romantic comedy. The New York Times describes this ensemble as “Gleefully engaging…almost unbearable fun…directed with inspiration.”

 

Friday, November 14, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Carrie Newcomer, folk singer/songwriter
Vocalist/guitarist Carrie Newcomer has been described as “a soaring songstress” by Billboard, a “prairie mystic” by The Boston Globe and Rolling Stone wrote that she “asks all the right questions.” One of the definitive voices of the heartland and progressive spirituality, Newcomer has the ability for sharp observation of the world. Pianist Gary Walters joins Carrie for this special concert.

           

Friday, February 13, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
The Great Gatsby performed by Montana Repertory Theatre
One of the great cautionary tales about the American Dream, The Great Gatsby is now brought to the stage by Montana Repertory Theatre (MRT). Known for its compelling productions of great American stories that penetrate to the core of human experience, the Rep’s Gatsby delivers it all: elusive magic, beautiful people, decadence, idealism--and the darkest fate.

 

Saturday, February 21, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Dallas Brass presents American Musical Journey
This exciting concert incorporates a full complement of brass and percussion for a musical travelogue through American history.  From the time of George Washington to the present day – music will be selected from the masters – Copland, Bernstein, Gershwin, Berlin, John Williams, Sousa; from bands like the Tijuana Brass and Chicago; and styles from Dixieland, swing, Broadway, folk, patriotic, pop, and even hip-hop! The UD Wind Ensemble is a special guest.

 

Sunday, March 8, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
The Lightning Thief performed by New York’s Theatreworks USA
From Percy Jackson & The Olympians: Book One and based on the popular book series by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. And that’s the least of his troubles since he has discovered he’s the descendent of the Greek God, Poseidon. Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy is the prime suspect. With help from his friends, Percy has ten days to find and return Zeus’s stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus.

 

Thursday, March 26, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Ensemble Español presents Flamenco Passion!
Chicago’s Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater beguiles crowds with quicksilver choreography steeped in an atmosphere of romance. Highlighted by Ravel’s Bolero, “Flamenco Passion” is a lavish production of original Spanish Classical ballets, folkloric suites, and fiery Flamenco dramas.

 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Annie Moses Band, gospel & bluegrass
The Annie Moses Band's innovative sound has delighted audiences around the world - on PBS and on stages like Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. The band weaves musical styles together into cinematic arrangements while virtuosic siblings bring Juilliard-honed chops to Nashville-styled music-making. The Annie Moses band combines many genres of music into a style that unifies audiences, young and old, progressive and conservative.

 

Friday, April 17, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
The Berenstain Bears Live! in Family Matters the musical
Adapted from Stan and Jan Berenstain’s classic children’s book series, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! demonstrates Bear Country is not without its complications: Brother Bear's grades are slipping, Sister Bear still has a few things to learn about making new friends, and Papa Bear just can't stop eating junk food. Alas, Mama Bear comes to the rescue! Using iconic stories and imagery with a healthy dose of song and dance, this new off-Broadway musical teaches the importance of honesty, health, and safety.

 

Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking!
From ANNIE to PHANTOM to WICKED, this fall-down funny, satirical roast of over 30 Broadway hits closes our 2014-2015 season and features outrageous costumes, silly spoofs, and madcap impressions by a stellar quartet of Broadway’s best! A New York sensation for 30 years, it's never been more fun poking fun at your favorite musicals and stars at a dizzying pace.