The 18-event University Arts Series series promises a little something for everyone, including concerts by celebrated artists, including The B-52s and Amy Grant.

For the musical lovers, the subscription Series offers the national tours of Legally Blonde and Monty Python’s Spamalot. Also on tap for this season is an appearance by legendary author Maya Angelou. The series also includes performances for the entire family, including the incredible music phenomenon STOMP and the extraordinary acrobatic showcase Cirque Dreams Illumination. These are just a handful of the many incredible, internationally-touring, professional performances that are part of the University Arts Series this season. All events will take place at the WVU Creative Arts Center.

Subscription packages begin with four events and may be purchased in person at the Mountainlair Box Office, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by phone at 304-293-SHOW (7469). Subscribers can create their own package from the 18 events offered.

Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and The Holy Grail.” Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few reasons that audiences and critics alike are raving about Spamalot. Don’t miss this one-night-only production that is sure to leave you laughing! Spamalot will kick off the University Arts Series on Sept. 27.

A band as quintessentially American as The Beach Boys, The B-52s have created a beloved catalog of music replete with an unforgettable collection of dance-rock tunes. With songs like “Love Shack,” and “Rock Lobster,” The B-52s bring energy to the stage that is unmatched. The band will perform on Oct. 2.

Five-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter’s has transcended genres and affected millions. Her smooth vocals shine on polished tracks, such as “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” “Passionate Kisses,” and “Shut Up and Kiss Me.” Her new record, The Age of Miracles, was released to critical and commercial acclaim. Mary Chapin Carpenter will take the Creative Arts Center stage on Oct. 10.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece Oklahoma! is coming to the Creative Arts Center on Oct. 16. Set in turn of the century Oklahoma, the musical tells the cherished love story of Curly and Laurey, with such favorite numbers as “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and “Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’.” This landmark musical is a true treasure that the whole family will love!

Cirque Dreams Illumination blends world renowned imagination, critically-acclaimed theatrical innovation and breathtaking presentation into a story that illuminates a city of ordinary people and reinvents everyday life. Experience dazzling choreography, urban acrobatics and a stylish original score when the newest Cirque Dreams performance comes to Morgantown on Oct. 18.

Romantic crooners The Lettermen, The Association and Gary Puckett will take you on a nostalgic visit to the 1960s when they bring the “Sounds of Romance” to the Creative Arts Center stage. Puckett’s unmistakable voice on hit songs like “Young Girl,” and “Woman Woman” helped him become one of the most successful artists of the 1960s. The Association found success with a number of harmonious, sunshine-pop songs, including “Cherish” and “Along Comes Mary.” The Lettermen boast 16 Top 10 singles and are members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of sixties romance music – one-night-only on Oct. 21.

A musical like none other, Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion. Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Tony Award-winning landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll. The New York Times declares, “Broadway may never be the same again!” This show is not recommended for children under 17. Spring Awakening will be presented on Nov. 1.

Six-time Grammy award-winner Amy Grant’s iconic vocals and chart-topping songs have helped put contemporary Christian music on the map. With genre-bending songs, Grant became the first Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the pop charts and the second to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her new record, Somewhere Down the Road, is a potent collection of tunes that takes the listener on a musical journey and reverberates with messages of resiliency, promise and hope. Amy Grant will perform on Nov. 6.

Led by critically-acclaimed conductor Pavel Kogan, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra become one of the most respected ensembles in Russia – and throughout the world. Their repertoire includes compositions from abroad, including Scott Joplin, Schoenberg, Bernstein and Bartok. Kogan was the 1997 recipient of the National Prize of the Russian Federation. This performance is surely one to treasure and will be presented on Nov. 10.

Based on the smash-hit film of the same name, Legally Blonde: The Musical is a “feel-good song and dance juggernaut!” The story follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle hits the books and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. This bright, empowering new musical swings into the Creative Arts Center on Nov. 14.

In December, one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals ever is coming to Morgantown for a three-night stay. Based on the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, the national tour of Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good show! On a Greek island paradise, one daughter’s quest to find her father brings back three men from her mother’s past on the eve of her wedding night—resulting in love, laughter and friendship. With more productions playing internationally than any other, Mamma Mia! is the world’s No. 1 musical! The three-night run will start Dec. 7 and continue on Dec. 8 and 9. All shows will start at 7:30 p.m.

To round out the year, the Vienna Boys Choir make a special stop at the Creative Arts Center on Dec. 17—just in time for the holidays. A phenomenon of excellence and cultural presence for more than 500 years, the Choir continues to delight music lovers across the globe with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and a diverse, crowd-pleasing repertoire. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday event in the intimacy of the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre.

Fiddler on the Roof, timeless, Tony Award-winning classic that captured the hearts of people all over the world, will start the New Year out right on Jan. 12. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, the musical is filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, with songs including “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Tradition.” No other musical has so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience as Fiddler on the Roof.

The international percussion sensation STOMP is back with new surprises for two shows at the Creative Arts Center on Feb. 8 and 9. An explosive, provocative, sophisticated and utterly unique show, featuring an eight-member troupe, STOMP finds “beautiful noises in the strangest places.” You won’t believe your eyes—and ears—watching the talented cast create magnificent rhythms out of commonplace items, such as matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lights and hubcaps. Come see what all the noise is about! Both shows will begin at 7:30 p.m.

As a band synonymous with traditional Irish music for nearly half a century, The Chieftains shows no signs of slowing down. Founded in 1962 by frontman and lead composer Paddy Moloney, the band has written and recorded a bevy of music, including collaborations with Van Morrison, Mick Jagger and Ziggy Marley. The Chieftain’s newest release, San Patricio, with Ry Cooder, is an unprecedented blend of both Ireland and Mexico’s musical heritage. With six Grammy awards and boundless critical praise for The Chieftains, this is one spring show that is not to be missed! The band will perform on March 8.

Hailed as a true Renaissance woman, Dr. Maya Angelou shatters the prisms of race and class with her groundbreaking works of poetry and nonfiction. One of the most honored writers of her generation, Dr. Angelou travels the world spreading her legendary wisdom and captivating her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception. Her extensive list of accomplishments is only testament to the incredible inspiration and moving presence she wields at each public appearance. This extraordinary night with a living legend will be on April 29.

An entertainment legend of unparalleled accomplishment and talent, Joan Rivers has spent more than four decades dominating every aspect of the entertainment industry. The Emmy Award-winning comedienne is a tour-de-force, with a “rampantly, outrageously – even shockingly – funny” stand-up routine. You don’t want to miss out on this tremendous night of laughter! Joan Rivers performs April 30.

The 2010-2011 University Arts Series season ends with the most beautiful love story ever told – the eye-popping, romantic smash-hit Broadway musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this classic musical is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes and dazzling production numbers, including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of this prized story during three shows, when the national tour arrives at the Creative Arts Center – May 20 at 7:30 p.m. and May 21 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Series subscription packages are available now at the Mountainlair Box Office or by calling 304-293-SHOW (7469). All performances are held in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre of the WVU Creative Arts Center and begin at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Ticket prices vary by event. Discounts are based on the number of shows purchased. Packages begin with a minimum of four events. Season subscribers must subscribe by Tuesday, Sept. 7 to keep their seats from last season. Current subscribers will be receiving their season brochures in the next two weeks. Additional brochures are available at 304-293-SHOW and order forms may be downloaded from events.wvu.edu. Individual tickets will go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 15.

-WVU-

ad/08/17/10

CONTACT: Ali Daly, Arts and Entertainment
304-293-8222; alison.daly@mail.wvu.edu