Monday, June 10, 2013

UNCW Presents 2013-14 Arts in Action Performance Series will bring Wilmington an array of the highest-caliber professional performing artists from around the world, the University announced today. Six events, along with related outreach activities, are scheduled September 2013 through April 2014 at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. Additionally, UNCW Presents is co-presenting a special event at Thalian Hall.

Vocal powerhouse Mary Wilson of The Supremes kicks off the season on Thursday, Sept. 19. During the 1960s, Wilson helped garner an unequaled record of number one hits by a female group, making The Supremes musical icons rivaling Elvis Presley and The Beatles. While Wilson is best known as an original member of the world’s most famous female trio, the legendary singer’s career did not stop there, she continues to move on to new heights as a best-selling author, United States Department of State Cultural ambassador and dedicated humanitarian. Joined on stage by UNCW musicians, her performance will feature hits from The Supremes’ heyday, as well as more recent songs, creating a unique blend of classic and contemporary music.

Known for his “candy bright” (The New Yorker), colorful, modern dance productions, Chase Brock will bring The Chase Brock Experience to the Thalian Hall Main Stage on Friday, Oct. 25 in an event co-presented with the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. At 29, Brock has already attracted attention for his choreography on the popular Wii video game “The Broadway Experience.” He is also the choreographer for Broadway’s “Spider-Man” and “Picnic,” among other well-known projects. 

Marking the 50^th anniversary of the Charles Webb novel The Graduate, LA Theater Works, the foremost radio theater in the country, brings this coming-of-age story to life on Wednesday, Oct. 30. A biting satire, the play centers on a recent college graduate who finds himself directionless in the shifting social and sexual values of the 1960s. Performed by headline actors and live Foley sound effect artists, LA Theater Works creates a cutting-edge contemporary spin on a classic tale with innovative sets and costumes.

Inspired by the career of modern dance pioneer Ruth St. Denis, Lionel Popkin’s Ruth Doesn’t Live Here Anymore  will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9.

LA based choreographer Lionel Popkin, along with two other dancers, two musicians, a stage full of saris, projections, video, and even a leaf blower, explores the question of whether St. Denis’ career was cultural appropriation or an authentic exploration of dance. This contemporary performance features an original score by Guy Klucevsek for accordion and violin performed live.

The Fantasticks tells the story of a boy, a girl, and their fathers who plot to get them together by keeping them apart. The world’s longest-running theatrical production of any kind comes to UNCW on Tuesday, March 18. Amongst magic, mischief and theatrical thrills, this sophisticated musical brings to life equally funny and moving themes of fantasy, innocence, reality and meaningful love. Presented by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, it features the original, live accompaniment with piano and harp and adds a steam punk design spin to costumes, sets and props in this classic show.

Celtic Nights: Journey of Hope is a unique show rooted in tradition and showcased against a thundering backdrop of expert dancing and musicianship, costumes, sets, and dramatic lighting. On Monday, March 24 guests are invited to attend this glittering and splashy production with some of Ireland’s most prominent talents.

Grammy-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis has played with everyone from Miles Davis to Sting and the Grateful Dead. He’s an NEA Jazz Master, a Tony Award nominee and former leader of Jay Leno’s Tonight Show Band. Marsalis and his multi-talented quartet will complete the season on Tuesday, April 8 with “An Evening with Branford Marsalis.” Known for their mastery of jazz, rock and classical genres, the quartet’s new album has recently won the iTunes Best Instrumental Jazz Album of 2012.

Subscriptions are on sale beginning July 1 through Kenan Box Office at 910.962.3500 and online at www.etix.com. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Subscribers receive a 20 percent discount off regular ticket prices, as well as priority seating for all performances. Season tickets are priced at $24 for students, $96 for senior citizens, UNCW alumni and employees, and $120 for all others. Choose-Your-Own subscribers who purchase tickets to three or more performances receive a special discount. Single tickets go on sale August 21 with savings for senior citizens, students, groups, UNCW alumni and parents of UNCW students. Groups of 10 or more receive the Special Rate. All performances are at 7 p.m. in the Kenan Auditorium, except the special Thalian Hall event at 8 p.m.

UNCW Presents serves the UNCW campus and the Wilmington community by extending and supplementing the intellectual life of the classroom and by providing diverse and unique cultural programming through the Arts in Action Performance Series and Leadership Lecture Series. A member of the NC Presenters Consortium and Arts North Carolina, they also offer innovative outreach opportunities, in addition to performances, including master classes, lectures, demonstrations and more within the Wilmington community and our partner community groups. These events are free and open to the public.

For artist images and more information, visit https://uncw.edu/presents.