"I would be remiss if I didn't mention that cost is a consideration," Stacey Jones, associate vice chancellor of campus and community events at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, says of the UAFS Season of Entertainment 36, just announced. "Tickets, as a general rule, are bought with disposable income, and while we love to bring the big events, we still strive to make sure the event stays in a budget that the audience can afford."
Jones also has to factor in "entertainment value, the box office appeal and education value for students," along with scheduling -- "shows do not always route through our area" -- and "we also try to fit in the community as much as possible without conflicting with other programs."
FYI
Season at the Blue Lion
Offered separately, the fourth annual Season at the Blue Lion will include four musical performances:
Sept. 20 — The Quebec Sisters: The Dallas-based group has been performing Western swing, vintage country and traditional Texas-style music since forming in 2000 and have played with world-renowned artists including Asleep at the Wheel, George Strait and Merle Haggard.
Oct. 17 — DePue De Hoyos: DePue De Hoyos has found renown for a unique combination of classical music and classic rock. The duo have been guest instructors at the National Oldtime Fiddling Championship and appeared at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Grand Master Fiddler Championship. They also hold the world record for playing “Flight of the Bumblebee.”
Jan. 31 — UAFS music faculty: Instrumental, vocal and piano faculty members at UAFS will display their talents as well, with trumpet, percussion and chamber ensemble pieces, in addition to various solos.
March 3 — Four Bitchin’ Babes: The group consisted of four accomplished musicians that are known for their exquisite wit and humor and will perform a series of humorous and light-hearted folk music pieces. They have released 12 albums and a full-length DVD.
Season tickets cost $50 by calling 788-7300, and only 250 tickets are available per performance. Individual show tickets go on sale Aug. 1. The season runs from Sept. 20 through March 3.
All concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown, located at 101 N. Second St.
All that considered, "bottom line is that we all have to keep the arts alive and entertainment a part of the community in which you and I chose to live," Jones says, and "this is one of the best lineups we've had in recent memory."
Headlining Season 36 are:
Sept. 16 -- The Step Crew, a new dance production, features world-class dancers in the areas of step-dancing and tap-dancing, along with three world-class fiddlers who tour with The Chieftains.
Dec. 13 -- Mannheim Steamroller, considered one of the top Christmas music artists in the nation, has sold more than 28 million albums in the United States and has performed across the nation, including at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.
Feb. 1 -- "Pippin" tells the story of a young prince longing to live a fulfilling life of passion and adventure. Filled with high-flying acrobatics and wondrous music, the original production won five Tony Awards out of 11 nominations, and the 2013 revival notched another 10 Tony nominations and four awards.
March 1 -- "42nd Street," based on a novel by Bradford Ropes, follows a director's efforts to launch a successful musical showcase during the poverty-stricken times of the Great Depression. Featuring a popular score with songs such as "We're in the Money" and "Lullaby of Broadway," the show earned two Tony Awards out of eight nominations, including Best Musical.
The season also includes performances by UAFS musicians, and theater students will present "Corrigenda" Oct. 20-22 and 24-25 and "Lysistrata" on Feb. 23-25 and 27-28.
"Corrigenda," says Bob Stevenson, director of theater at UAFS, "is a 10-year anniversary celebration. In 2006 our original show captured the imagination of audiences and launched what has become one of the most innovative college theater programs in our region. Ten years and a slew of state, regional and national awards later, we're going back to the beginning of it all for a celebration!
"Lysistrata," he adds, "written over 2000 years ago, [is] one of the oldest written comedies we have record of. [It] tells the story of four army wives who are fed up with their husbands being gone to war, so they stage a little revolt of their own. All of the women of the country get together and decide to withhold sex from their husbands until the war is stopped. You've never seen a group of lawmakers end a war so fast. Don't let the age of the show fool you, this modern translation is right out of television."
Season tickets are $180 at the UAFS Box Office in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center or by calling 788-7300. Individual show tickets go on sale Aug. 1. The season runs from Sept. 16 through May 2.
NAN What's Up on 07/15/2016